WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — US-Russian bilateral relations have deteriorated sharply since the beginning of the Ukraine crisis and the violent overthrow of democratically-elected President Viktor Yanukovych in February 2014. The United States has joined the European Union in imposing economic sanctions on Russia.
“On this special day, the United States joins the Russian people in celebrating the many links that bind our two nations; may the citizens of both share in a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic future.”
However, Kerry focused in his message on “the deep connections that exist between Russian and American culture — from Balanchine's ‘Jewels’ to Brodsky's ‘Urania,’ Rostropovich to Tolstaya, Baryshnikov to Rothko.”
Kerry noted the two nations had produced great intellectual achievements that had together served to enrich the human race.
“Through the decades, freedom of expression and thought have produced great artistic and intellectual accomplishments that have enriched lives and lifted spirits in both our countries, and lie at the heart of what each can offer the world.”
Kerry, a combat veteran from the Vietnam war, also paid tribute to the central Russian role in the defeat of Nazi Germany.
“As we mark the 70th anniversary of end of World War II this year, we also honor the tremendous shared sacrifice of those who fought against Nazism, including the millions of Russians who fought in the great battles, and the millions who lost their lives.”
US President Barack Obama did not attend the Victory Day celebrations and parade in Moscow that commemorated the 70th anniversary of the end of the war on May 9, 2015.
