MOSCOW, October 28 (RIA Novosti) – Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Ukrainians on the 70th anniversary of their country's liberation from the Nazis on Tuesday, noting that Russia and Ukraine should carefully preserve the traditions of brotherly friendship.
"Our fathers and grandfathers fought bravely and selflessly side by side, in the same ranks, for the freedom and independence of the Motherland, crushing the enemy and drawing the long-awaited victory closer. We should carefully preserve the wonderful traditions of brotherly friendship and mutual assistance that they have started," Putin said in a statement released by the Kremlin press service.
“It is crucial to raise the new generation on high patriotic values,” Putin noted.
The Russian President also wished all Ukrainian veterans good health and wished peace and prosperity to the "brotherly people of Ukraine".
Ukraine celebrates the day of liberation from Nazi occupation in WWII on October 28. The national holiday was established by former Ukrainian president Viktor Yushchenko on October 21, 2009.
