Vladimir Putin’s special ‘Doomsday’ plane which allows him to continue ruling Russia during a nuclear war has been seen flying around Moscow in recent days.

Video shows the Ilyushin Il-80 passing low over the outskirts of the city amid tension that he will resort to atomic weapons during the conflict in Ukraine.

But Russian officials have insisted the aircraft will be showcased with a low flypast at Monday’s annual Victory Day parade on Red Square, and is involved in ‘rehearsals’ for the display.

The giant Soviet-era aircraft – windowless apart from the cockpit and known as the ‘Flying Kremlin’ – has not been seen at a Victory Day commemoration – marking defeat of Hitler and end of the Second World War – since 2010.

Its reappearance is a sign Putin wants to send a warning message to the West.