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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: First, I would like to thank you for coming here to take part in the celebrations. I think this is a very good event. It means that Europe has not forgotten about combatting Nazism.

I was very happy to note that the French President said in his speech – I will call him again to thank him for it: he spoke directly of the decisive role of the Soviet Union in the victory over fascism. This is exactly what he said – ‘decisive role’, making it absolutely clear.

I believe it is very important that people say it: they say this in Europe; the head of state, the President of France is saying this on behalf of the friendly French people.

It is truly a very good thing that this period in the life of humanity – the fight against Nazism – is not forgotten. I believe this is proper.

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