"We shall carry on relations with those countries, whatever choice they make. We hope common sense and their nations' interests will prevail, with political ambitions for historians to tackle," he remarked to a news conference in Bratislava, Slovak capital.
"There are different ways to evaluate the outcome and results of World War II.
"Some people in the [post-Soviet] Baltic countries regard WWII as having a bearing on the tragedy in which they lost independence. We hold their opinion in the utmost respect.
"Likewise, we ought to respect the opinion of Lettish riflemen as the force that helped Bolsheviks to retain power against attempts to overthrow them.
"This part of European and Russian history is extremely complicated. It must be tackled thoroughly, and in an unbiased way," added President Putin.
Slovakia's President was addressing the same news conference. Reporters asked him whether he was to appear in Moscow for May 9 galas.
"I shall take part in the Moscow celebrations. That was my personal decision. I deem it our duty to cherish the memory of those whom we owe our survival to this day. Some may see the matter differently-it's their personal opinion," he replied.
President Putin confirmed his invitation to the leaders of post-Soviet Baltic countries to come to Moscow for May 9 celebrations of the 60th anniversary of victory over nazi Germany.
"While holding in the utmost respect the opinions of our countries' people, whatever social milieu they may belong to, we think we are to orient on the future. That was why we have invited the [post-Soviet] Baltic leaders to get a constructive dialogue going, and settle all problems, frontier issues included."
Russia has called to sign respective instruments in Moscow as the upcoming galas are on. "With that, we are offering our hand in friendship. It does not depend on us whether we shall meet a handshake in reply, or not. The decision is up to the Baltic countries' leaders," stressed President Putin.
