"Victory will always be ours": Vladimir Putin congratulated Russians on 9 May

9 May is the country’s sacred and most important holiday. It was the heroism of the Soviet soldier that put an end to total evil, restored sovereignty to the conquered peoples of Europe and forever inscribed his name in history as the embodiment of courage, nobility and resilience. The President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, congratulated Russians on the holiday of the Great Victory. According to him, the memory of the war is a matter of honour for our country, while veterans of the special military operation inherit the valour of the generation of victors.

"Comrade soldiers and sailors, sergeants and sergeant majors, midshipmen and warrant officers! Comrade officers, generals and admirals! Fighters and commanders participating in the special military operation! Distinguished guests! I congratulate you on Victory Day — our sacred, bright and most important holiday!" Vladimir Putin said.

The Supreme Commander-in-Chief added that the holiday is celebrated with feelings of pride and love for one’s country, with sincere filial gratitude to the great generation of victors. With an understanding of the shared duty to defend the interests and future of the Motherland. According to him, care for the Fatherland unites our entire country and all the people of Russia, while preserving the memory of the events of the Great Patriotic War, its true history and its true heroes is a matter of honour for us.

"We will always remember the heroism of the Soviet people — the fact that it was they who made the decisive contribution to the defeat of Nazism, saved their country, saved the world, put an end to total, ruthless evil, and restored sovereignty to the states that had capitulated to Hitler’s Germany and become obedient accomplices in its crimes. Our soldier suffered colossal losses and made a colossal sacrifice in the name of the freedom and dignity of the peoples of Europe, became the embodiment of courage and nobility, resilience and humanity, and crowned himself with the great glory of a grand Victory," he emphasised.

Vladimir Putin noted that the great feat of the generation of victors inspires the warriors carrying out the tasks of the special military operation today: "The guarantee of success lies in our moral and spiritual strength, courage and valour, our unity and our ability to withstand everything. To overcome any trials! We have a shared goal. Everyone makes a personal contribution to Victory. It is being forged both on the battlefield and in the rear. I firmly believe that our cause is just! We are together! Victory has always been and will always be ours! Glory to the victorious people! Glory to the veterans! Glory to the Armed Forces of Russia!".