Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a congratulatory message to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on the upcoming 80th anniversary of Belgrade’s liberation from fascism during WWII.

“The Belgrade offensive operation, carried out eight decades ago by Red Army forces and Yugoslav partisan squads, is a glorious page in our shared history.”

“Thousands of Soviet soldiers who fell in the fight against Nazism rest in Serbian soil. We highly respect the respect and the attentive attitude with which the authorities and the citizens of Serbia preserve their memory,” said Putin in his message.

Putin noted in a statement from the Serbian president’s press office that Russians and Serbs have supported each other through centuries, fight against common enemies and overcoming hardships together.

“It is crucial that the enduring traditions of our fraternal bond, handed down by our forefathers, continue to bolster the strategic partnership between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Serbia today.”

“I earnestly wish you health and success, and prosperity and well-being to all your fellow citizens,” Putin expressed in his note to Vucic.