Dear friends!
At this time as we commemorate the sixtieth anniversary of the allied landing in Normandy, on behalf of the entire Russian people I express my immense and sincere gratitude for your historical feat.
The opening of the second front in Europe made an invaluable contribution to our common victory. Together with the soldiers of the Red Army you fought to the end, defeated the aggressor and restored peace and freedom to the peoples of Europe. The meeting of our armies on the Elba in the victorious spring of 1945 symbolised the invincibility of fraternity forged in battle and the triumph of justice.
The traditions of partnership and unity born during those hard and difficult years help us today to take a stand against the common threats we face and strengthen our cooperation in the interests of stability and security in our world.
We in Russia will always honour the courage of our brothers in arms and remember those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle against the greatest evil of the twentieth century.
I give my heartfelt congratulations to the allied veterans and wish you health, prosperity and success. Blessed be the memory of the fallen heroes.
VLADIMIR PUTIN