PRESIDENT OF RUSSIA VLADIMIR PUTIN: Citizens of Russia, war veterans, soldiers and sailors, sergeants and petty officers, warrant officers and midshipmen! Officers, generals and admirals,
Congratulations on Victory Day! This is the day of our nation’s glory, the nation that routed Nazism!
Sixty-eight years have passed since end of the Great Patriotic War, but the memory of the war does not fade, it passes on from generation to generation, from parents to children, from heart to heart.
The might behind this righteous unity is love for Russia, our home, our relatives and our family. These values bring us together today. Our entire nation fought valiantly to defend them.
We will always remember that it was Russia and the Soviet Union that disrupted the inhuman, bloody, arrogant plans of the Nazis and did not allow them to take over the world.
Our soldiers fought for freedom and independence, and in defending their homeland without sparing themselves, they liberated Europe and triumphed in a victory that will remain in history forever.
Esteemed veterans, you have always considered the welfare and security of the Motherland as your highest goal. Patriotism sealed your military brotherhood, towered over the enemy, was your mainstay in the fierce battles of Moscow, Stalingrad, Kursk, and the Dnieper, gave you strength through the torment of the siege of Leningrad, tempered your spirit in innumerable nameless battles, supported you through the gruelling labor in the rear. Your sacrifices and losses are immeasurable. We will always honor your feat, mourn the dead and tortured, and uphold the truth about the war.
Throughout history our ancestors achieved the greatest peaks of valour and courage in the name of the Fatherland, amazed the world with their courage and unity, and knew how to win. These traditions are an example for younger generations, and they have proven it time and again defending the sovereignty and interests of the Motherland.
We remember what the tragedy of war means and will do everything – absolutely everything – to make sure that no one will ever dare to unleash it again, to threaten our children, our home, our land. We will do everything to strengthen security in the world.
The victory in May 1945 is the sound of a great bell that celebrates life without war, a sacred symbol of loyalty to our Motherland which lives in each of us, a symbol of unity of the multinational people of Russia and their boundless devotion to their roots and history.
It is our duty to live up to the hopes of our honoured grandfathers and fathers, to overcome all the difficulties and obstacles, and give our children a prosperous, free and strong Russia.
Glory to the victorious nation!
Happy holiday! Happy Victory Day!
Glory to Russia! Hooray!