The message reads, in part:
“In the bloody battles for Ukraine during the Great Patriotic War, our multi-ethnic nation demonstrated in all its grandeur its determination and unity, the courage and steadfastness of the liberating army, the partisans, members of the underground and the home front workers.
Our parents and grandparents selflessly and courageously fought side by side for the freedom and independence of our Motherland; they crushed the enemy, bringing closer the long awaited Victory. We have to retain with care the wonderful traditions of fraternal friendship and mutual support that they bequeathed us. It is vitally important to instil lofty patriotic values in the younger generation and to actively resist any attempts at reviving the Nazi ideology, fomenting inter-ethnic strife and falsifying our shared history.
From all my heart I wish the veterans of the Great Patriotic War good health and welfare and not to lose heart; and I wish peace and prosperity to the entire fraternal people of Ukraine.”