Russia, China resolutely condemn any attempts to distort history of Second World War, says Putin

MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Russia and China resolutely condemn any attempts to distort the history of the Second World War.

In a written interview on the eve of his visit to China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Tianjin Summit and China's V-Day commemorations in Beijing, Putin stressed that Chinese President Xi Jinping treats his country's history with utmost respect.

"He is a true leader of a great world power, a man of strong will, endowed with strategic vision and a global outlook, and unwavering in his commitment to national interests. It is of exceptional importance for China that such a person stands at the helm at this challenging, pivotal moment in international affairs," Putin said.

In Beijing, Putin said, he will join the Chinese side to pay tribute to the shared act of heroism of their fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers, to honor the memory of those who sealed the brotherhood of the two peoples with their blood, defended the freedom and independence of the two states, and secured their right to sovereign development.

The peoples of the Soviet Union and China bore the brunt of the fighting and suffered the heaviest losses, Putin stressed. "It was our citizens who endured the greatest hardships in the struggle against the invaders and played a decisive role in defeating Nazism and militarism," he said.

"Through those severe trials, the finest traditions of friendship and mutual assistance were forged and strengthened -- traditions that today form a solid foundation for Russian-Chinese relations," Putin said.

"In Russia, we will never forget that China's heroic resistance was one of the crucial factors that prevented Japan from stabbing the Soviet Union in the back during the darkest months of 1941-1942," Putin said. "This enabled the Red Army to concentrate its efforts on crushing Nazism and liberating Europe."

When Japan treacherously launched a war of aggression against China, the Soviet Union extended a helping hand to the Chinese people, Putin noted, adding that "Soviet pilots also fought bravely alongside their Chinese brothers-in-arms."

"It is our sacred duty to honor the memory of our compatriots who displayed true patriotism and courage, endured all hardships, and defeated powerful and ruthless enemies," Putin said, expressing gratitude to China for its careful preservation of memorials to Red Army soldiers who gave their lives in battles.

In certain Western states, the results of the Second World War are "de facto revised," Putin said, noting that historical truth is being distorted and suppressed to serve their current political agendas.

Russia and China resolutely condemn any attempts to distort the history of the Second World War, he said. "The results of that war are enshrined in the UN Charter and other international instruments. They are inviolable and not subject to revision."