MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a message to participants of commemorative events marking the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, stating that the tragedy endured by Armenians united the people and demonstrated their wisdom and courage.
“Today, we bow our heads in memory of the hundreds of thousands of victims of one of the most horrific tragedies of the 20th century — the Armenian Genocide. The persecution and oppression of those years became an unhealed wound for many generations of Armenians. At the same time, this tragedy united the people, who demonstrated unwavering devotion to their traditions, wisdom, and courage,” the message, published on the Kremlin’s website, reads.
Putin emphasized that the brutal massacres of defenseless civilians—who were killed, wounded, and driven from their homes—shocked the entire civilized world and clearly demonstrated the devastating consequences of inciting religious hatred, nationalism, and xenophobia.
He noted that Russia’s position on this issue has remained unchanged. In May 1915, this was reflected in a joint declaration by Russia, the United Kingdom, and France condemning the violence against Armenians as a crime against humanity and civilization. It was later reaffirmed in the Russian State Duma’s statement of April 14, 1995.
“We are convinced that policies of mass extermination and deportation based on ethnic identity cannot be justified, and the international community must unite its efforts to ensure that such barbarity is never repeated,” Putin added.
He concluded by wishing the Armenian people peace, prosperity, and well-being.
