Vladimir Putin today paid tribute to the Soviet soldiers who defeated a “terrible and absolute” evil by liberating the Auschwitz camp in January 1945. This comes on the occasion of events held in Poland to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the event, in which the Russian president is notably absent.

“We will always remember that it was the Soviet soldier who crushed this terrible and absolute evil and achieved a victory, the greatness of which will remain forever in world history,” he stated in a message released by the Kremlin.

Dozens of leaders are gathering today to honor the memory of the liberation of this former Nazi camp. However, Vladimir Putin, who has been isolated on the international stage following the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, is one of the notable absentees.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in Poland to participate in the events marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, his spokesperson announced today.

During his visit, Zelensky plans to meet with European Council President António Costa and French President Emmanuel Macron, the spokesperson added.