Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated veterans, military and all Russians on Victory Day.
"Dear Russian citizens, dear veterans, comrade soldiers and sailors, sergeants and petty officers, midshipmen and warrant officers, comrade officers, generals and admirals, I congratulate you on Victory Day," Putin said during the main military parade on the 76th anniversary of Victory Day.
"We will always remember that it was the Soviet people who accomplished this majestic feat. In the most difficult time of the war, in the decisive battles that determined the outcome of the fight against fascism, our people were alone, alone on the difficult, heroic and sacrificial path to Victory," the Russian President said.
He stressed that the Soviet people "fought to the death on all fronts, in the fiercest battles on land, on the sea, and in the sky." "We also remember those who gave shelter, supported those who found themselves in evacuation, forced to leave their homes. Today we pay tribute and gratitude to the entire generation of great heroes and toilers," the head of state added.
"I congratulate you on Victory Day. A victory of colossal, historical significance for the fates of the entire world, with a holiday that was, is and will be sacred for Russia, our people," Putin added.
"It is ours by right of kinship with those who defeated, broke, crushed Nazism, ours by right of heirs of the generation of victors. A generation we honor and are proud of," the Russian president said.
The main military parade marking the 76th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War is taking place in Russia's capital on Sunday with the participation of more than 12,000 servicemen and more than 190 military vehicles and 76 helicopters and aircraft.
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Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from RIA Novosti