Today, we bow our heads in memory of the hundreds of thousands of victims of the genocide of the Armenian people – one of the most horrific tragedies of the 20th century.

The brutal massacre of defenceless and innocent people, who were killed, wounded and driven from their native cities and villages, shocked the entire civilised world. Its catastrophic consequences laid bare the deadly toll of religious hatred, nationalism and xenophobia.

I would like to stress that our country’s position on this issue has always been consistent. As early as May 1915, it was reflected in the joint Declaration by Russia, Great Britain and France, which condemned the violence against the Armenian people as a crime against humanity and civilisation. At a new stage of history, this position was reaffirmed in the Statement of Russia's State Duma of April 14, 1995.

We are convinced that there is not and can never be any justification for the policy of mass extermination and deportation of people on ethnic grounds. The international community must unite to ensure that such barbarity never happens again – anywhere.

The persecution and repression of those years became an unhealed wound for many generations of Armenians. Yet the tragedy they endured united the people, who demonstrated steadfast devotion to their traditions, wisdom and courage.

I am confident that the sons and daughters of Armenia will continue to preserve their national identity, millennia-old culture, language, freedom and spiritual values.

I wish the friendly Armenian people wellbeing, prosperity and all the very best.

VLADIMIR PUTIN