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President Vladimir Putin gave a speech at a reception to mark the 57th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War

May 9, 2002, The Kremlin, Moscow

The Russian President expressed eternal gratitude to the veterans who brought victory to the world.

He recalled that it was the strong coalition created at the end of the Second World War that ensured the victory. He described the victory in 1945 as a triumph, an example of unbending will, the most difficult and the most just of victories.

But on this most cherished and popular holiday an explosion occurred in Kaspiisk, said Mr Putin. Even on the day when everyone was celebrating the victory and remembering those who died in the war, cold-blooded and calculating terrorists were killing civilians, including children. The President said they should be treated like the Nazis, whose sole aim was to sow death, fear and to kill.

The head of state asked all those present to observe a moment of silence in tribute to those who died in Kaspiisk.

May 9, 2002, The Kremlin, Moscow