Putin sends Victory Day messages marking World War II anniversary to members of post-Soviet bloc

According to the Kremlin, the messages were sent to the leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, as well as to the authorities of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Messages were also addressed to the peoples of Georgia and Moldova.

Putin expressed gratitude to veterans of World War II and home front workers, wishing them good health, strength and longevity.

In messages to the peoples of Georgia and Moldova, Putin emphasized the importance of preserving the memory of the war years and passing on traditions of friendship and mutual assistance to future generations.

He said the anniversary was a time to honor “our fathers and grandfathers” who fought on the front lines and worked on the home front, achieving victory over Nazi Germany through “countless sacrifices and hardships.”

Victory Day is observed May 9 in Russia and several former Soviet states to commemorate the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany during World War II, which Russia refers to as the Great Patriotic War.

Ahead of the commemorations, Russia’s Defense Ministry announced Monday a proposed two-day ceasefire for May 8-9 and warned Ukraine of a “massive” missile response if the celebrations were disrupted.

Later that day, Ukraine announced it would also observe a unilateral ceasefire beginning at midnight Tuesday, but Kyiv has since accused Russia of violating the truce by continuing airstrikes and frontline attacks.