The messages said, in part:
“May 9 will forever remain a glorious date in history: it commemorates the valour of soldiers who defeated Nazism and saved humankind from the threat of enslavement.
“People of all nationalities harbour fond memories of our countrymen’s military and labour feats for the sake of freedom and for the happiness of future generations.
“It is my conviction that the unity and greatness of spirit demonstrated by our peoples during the war will serve as an example for future generations.”
The President also asked the CIS leaders to convey his sincere wishes of health and wellbeing to Great Patriotic War veterans and of peace and prosperity to the peoples of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine.