The 67-year-old, who has largely been working in his residence outside Moscow, praised the spirit of the Russian people as well their traditions and culture.

Russia, which at 511,423 has the world's third-largest number of virus cases, has gradually eased lockdown measures this month.

While infections have been declining, many doctors and Kremlin critics say restrictions have been lifted prematurely in Moscow, the epicentre of the Russian outbreak.

Opponents have accused Putin of trying to gain support before a 1 July vote on plans to change the constitution, which could extend his hold on power until 2036.

A concert will take place on Red Square on Friday evening, while a parade to celebrate the USSR’s victory in World War Two is scheduled for 24 June. Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin has discouraged people from attending either.

Russia has seen 6,715 virus deaths.