Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev has congratulated Ukrainian war veterans on the 63rd anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War, wishing them good health and prosperity.
Medvedev sent his congratulatory message to President Viktor Yuschenko.
"I request that you extend my wishes of good health and prosperity to veterans of the Great Patriotic War and wishes of peace and prosperity to the entire Ukrainian people," the congratulatory message states.
Medvedev noted that Victory Day has rightfully become a symbol of heroism, continuous unity, and togetherness of the peoples of the two countries in the name of freedom and independence.
"We will never forget the dear price that we paid for this victory, and we will always remember the invaluable contribution of the Ukrainian people in general to the rout of fascism," Medvedev said in the message.
According to him, the memories of those who did not return from the battlefield necessitate further joint efforts to combat any attempts to whitewash the crimes of Nazis and cast doubt on the liberation mission of the soviet Army.
As Ukrainian News earlier reported, Russia's Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov has wished Ukrainian veterans of the Great Patriotic War good health, happiness, peace, and prosperity on the 63rd anniversary of the victory in the war.
The Kyiv municipal administration has decided to organize a march of veterans of the Great Patriotic War, youths, and military orchestras on Khreschatyk Street in commemoration of Victory Day on May 9.
Yuschenko directed the Cabinet of Ministers in April to prepare and organize events commemorating the 63rd anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War.
