Russia’s President Vladimir Putin called for unity as he led his country in a commemoration of the 1812 Battle of Borodino, which led to the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte.

In a patriotic speech, Putin said Russia’s greatest achievements occur when the nation stands together.

Re-enactors brought the event to life with historical costumes, firing canons and stomping horses. More than 3,000 military enthusiasts took part in the show.

In the real battle, tens of thousands of French and Russian troops died, neither side won a decisive victory and Napoleon’s forces went on to occupy Moscow.

Later the Russians regrouped and the French, faced with a bitter winter and a lack of reinforcements, eventually withdrew from the country.