Address of Tatarstan Prime Minister Ildar Khalikov on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of full liberation of Leningrad from Nazi siege by Soviet troops

On January 27 Tatarstan Prime Minister Ildar Khalikov addressed Tatarstan citizens on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of full liberation of Leningrad from Nazi siege by Soviet troops:

“Dear citizens of Tatarstan! Dear veterans of Great Patriotic War! On behalf of Tatarstan Government I would like to congratulate you on the 70th anniversary of full liberation of Leningrad from Nazi siege by Soviet troops.

The 900-day defence of the Hero City has taken its place in the history of Russia and the whole world as the example of unprecedented courage and heroism of real defenders of the Motherland.

There are 331 veterans of Great Patriotic War among defenders or residents of blockade Leningrad living in Tatarstan today. These people overcame incredible pains and hardships of those terrible days. We are so grateful for their courage try to do our best to make up losses and hardships they went through for the sake of liberation of their Motherland. Improvement of the quality of life of veterans of Great Patriotic War is one of priority areas of Tatarstan social policy. We will never forget those who defended the city and broke the siege.

Dear veterans! Thank you for our peaceful sky, for defending our freedom and independence. I wish you strong health, happiness and wellbeing!”