OREANDA-NEWS. October 28, 2009. The message reads, in part: "I warmly congratulate you on the 65th anniversary of Ukraine's liberation from Nazi invaders.

On this day we honour our veterans and bow our heads in memory of those who gave their lives in the fierce battle with the Nazis for victory, for our common victory. We will forever honour the memory of this feat and unity of our peoples in their struggle against the enemy, passing it on from generation to generation.

The more this dramatic time recedes, the stronger our feelings of gratitude and debt to all those who defended the Motherland from the Nazi plague and freed the peoples of Europe from enslavement. Throughout the world people pay tribute to the unparalleled courage and perseverance of our soldiers, partisans and rear workers who saved the world from Nazism. For the sake of freedom and future rights, they spared neither their strength nor their lives. Today it is especially important that all those who fought for a peaceful life for their descendants benefit from daily care and that no veteran be left without attention and support.

The common history of the great country that our peoples created together comprises both glorious deeds as well as great tragedy. All the hardships and sorrows of our fathers and grandfathers were equally shared, they passed these harsh tests together, together they persevered and won. It was patriotism, fortitude, solidarity and mutual support that decided the outcome of the war.

I am convinced that today no one can break centuries-old Russian-Ukrainian ties. All attempts to sow distrust between our nations based on history are doomed to fail. In Russia we highly value the fact that millions of citizens of independent Ukraine feel pride in our common past and want to engage in the closest possible cooperation. There is no doubt that honouring the memory of shared, glorious victories and achievements is the guarantee that the peoples of Russia and Ukraine will overcome all temporary obstacles and difficulties, and be good neighbours that cooperate hand in hand for the benefit of the progress and prosperity of our nations.

I sincerely wish the Great Patriotic War veterans and fraternal Ukrainian people peace, health and welfare.”