President of Russia Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory message to the leaders of the CIS countries, Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Georgia on the 68th anniversary of the Victory Day.

The President noted in his message that all of our countries’ leaders have a common duty to carefully preserve the memory of the heroes who gave their lives in the fight for freedom and independence, and to surround war veterans with care and attention, Kremlin said in a statement.

Mr Putin stressed that the sacred memory of the victorious events of May 1945 will continue to unite our countries and provide a solid foundation for further developing cooperation.

President Putin ended his message with his warmest congratulations to all veterans of the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 and wished them long life, good health and prosperity.