OREANDA-NEWS. October 21, 2009. Dmitry Medvedev and President of Serbia Boris Tadic laid a wreath at the Monument to the Liberators of Belgrade and the Monument to Soviet soldiers in the Cemetery of the Liberators of Belgrade.
 
After the ceremony, Mr Medvedev signed the book of honoured guests: "Visiting a place where defenders of peace, people who gave their lives for the freedom of Europe, rest triggers a unique feeling. Let us never forget these heroes! Russia and Serbia are linked by special ties of friendship and this will continue in the future."

Dmitry Medvedev and Boris Tadic met with World War II veterans at the memorial. The presidents were welcomed by hundreds of Belgradians chanting "Russia! Russia!"

The Cemetery of the Liberators of Belgrade contains the remains of Soviet and Yugoslav soldiers who died in battles for the liberation of Belgrade. The cemetery opened on October 20, 1954, on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the liberation of the Yugoslav capital. A monument to Soviet soldiers has been erected near their graves.

According to official figures, more than 31,000 Red Army soldiers and officers were killed, wounded or went missing in the battles for Yugoslavia between September 22, 1944 and its liberation [in 1945]. In addition, about 6,000 Soviet citizens fought against German invaders in the ranks of the People's Liberation Army of Yugoslavia. About 1,500 of them were killed, wounded or went missing.

More than 10,000 Red Army soldiers and officers are buried in the former Yugoslavia.