Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated the leaders and peoples of the former Soviet Union, as well as the heads of a number of Western States, on the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic war. This was reported by the Kremlin's press service.
"Vladimir Putin sent congratulatory messages to the leaders and citizens of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldavia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Abkhazia, South Ossetia as well as the peoples of Georgia and Ukraine, on the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War," the message reads.
The Russian leader, as noted, also stressed that "the sacred duty of today’s generations to preserve forever the memory of those who defended the freedom of their native land at the cost of innumerable sacrifices and hardships, and to surround our dear veterans with care and attention", and "again called for resolute opposition to any attempts to rewrite the results of the Great Patriotic War, to whitewash or consign to oblivion the inhuman crimes committed by the Nazis and their accomplices".
In addition, Vladimir Putin expressed confidence that " the shared memory of the heroic deeds of our fathers and grandfathers would have a constructive impact on bilateral cooperation in a variety of areas and on partnering to confront modern threats and challenges like the coronavirus pandemic."
Vladimir Putin offered words of sincere gratitude and wishes of good health, long life, happiness and wellbeing to all veterans of the Great Patriotic War, partisans and homefront workers.
In a congratulatory message to US President Donald Trump, the Russian leader noted that Russia and the US at the forefront of countering global challenges could do a lot for international stability.
"Russia and the United States are now at the forefront of the response to global challenges. Following the traditions of cooperation established in war time and acting in the ‘spirit of the Elbe’, our countries could do a great deal for the sake of international security and stability," the message reads.
Putin also stressed that Russia "remembers with gratitude the contribution of the anti-Hitler coalition allies to our common Victory and will never forget about the Soviet-American wartime comradeship."
In a message to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the Russian President called cooperation in those years priceless and still in demand today.
“The Great Victory was a pivotal event of the 20th century with enduring significance for the fate of all humankind. It was achieved thanks to the joint efforts of the Soviet Union and the countries of the anti-Hitler coalition. That invaluable experience is no less needed today,” the Kremlin press-service quotes Putin as saying.
Vladimir Putin expressed confidence that the "memory of our nations’ brotherhood-in-arms" would help develop constructive Russian-British dialogue and cooperation in the face of current threats and challenges .
Earlier today, the Russian President held a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, during which the two leaders also exchanged congratulations on the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Europe and the world from fascism.
"For Russia and Germany, this date has a special, symbolic meaning. The importance of preserving the historical memory of the tragic events of those years is emphasized. In particular, they expressed confidence that both countries would never forget about the German patriots who selflessly fought against the Nazi regime. It was stated that today Russia and Germany are partners in solving many pressing international problems. The intention to build bilateral relations in a constructive manner has been confirmed, " the Kremlin said in a statement.
During telephone talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, the two leaders stressed the importance of the Victory anniversary.
“The heroism of the Normandy-Neman Flight Regiment pilots, who fought at the Soviet-German front, will be forever in the hearts of Russians. The presidents conveyed their sincere wishes for health and well - being to the veterans of both countries," the press service of the Russian head of state reported.
It should be noted that on the eve of the Victory anniversary, Vladimir Putin also made a televised address to the people of Austria at the request of Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz.
"In the spring of 1945, Soviet troops stormed Berlin. They went to this goal for almost four years, through the hell of the bloodiest war in the history of mankind. They did not need this war, they did not want it, it was imposed on the Soviet Union. The Nazis attacked treacherously, stealthily, and in an instant destroyed the peaceful life of our country and its multi-ethnic people. The path of the Soviet people to Victory was heroic and sacrificial. We bow to their courage, will and fortitude. They were able to overcome inhuman difficulties and defend their native land, determined the outcome of the Second World war, liberated Europe, and won the Victory that the whole world was waiting for," the Russian leader was quoted as saying by TASS.
Russia, as emphasized by Vladimir Putin, "will remember the contribution to the defeat of Nazism, of the allies, all who fought in the anti-fascist underground, to remember the millions of people, the elderly, women, children, whom the Nazis destroyed, to remember the tragedy of the Holocaust".
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Photo: Халдей Евгений/ТАСС