The grim realities of the Second World War were brought to life outside Moscow yesterday, as the final battle in the European conflict was re-enacted.

Human fireballs and tanks descending on the German capital were among the spectacles as the race to Berlin was replicated.

The huge operation was carried out in Kubinka, outside Moscow, when members of historical groups donned Nazi uniforms to replicate the battle for Berlin.

In early 1945, after it became clear that Hitler's troops were going to be defeated, Soviet marshals Georgy Zhukov and Ivan Konev competed to be the first to enter the Nazi capital.

The two leaders were pitted against each other, ensuring the swiftest possible victory and culminating in the brutal Battle of Berlin.

In April 1945, the fronts led by the two Red Army leaders linked up, ending any hopes of German escape.

Hitler and several of his followers committed suicide while the battle was ongoing, and the city's garrison surrendered on May 2.