The message said, in part:
“It is hard to overestimate the importance of those days in July 1943 for the cause of victory. One of the hardest battles of World War Two was won thanks to our troops’ selfless valour, our commanders’ tactical skill and the superiority of our weaponry.
“The first victory salute in Moscow was fired in honour of the liberation of Oryol and Belgorod.
“Russian hearts will always cherish the memory of the generation that defended our Motherland and raised it from the ashes. We shall always have gratitude to that generation and take pride in it.”