OREANDA-NEWS  Russian President Vladimir Putin, opening a gala dinner in honor of the leaders of foreign countries who arrived in Moscow to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Victory, raised a toast to peace and friends of Russia. This was reported by the Kremlin's press service.

He recalled the importance of May 9 for Russia and noted that the decisive role in achieving victory belonged to the Soviet Union. At the same time, the head of state acknowledged that "the common efforts of the peoples of Europe, the United States, Africa, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific region led to victory." "Dear friends, let me propose a toast to the generation of winners, to the Great Victory, to peace and prosperity! For you — for our friends!", — said Putin.

The heads of delegations from more than 20 countries took part in the gala dinner.

Earlier it was reported that the guests of the gala dinner in the Kremlin were offered salad with crab and strawberries and dumplings with sturgeon and pike caviar, the menu of soups did not include borscht with veal and Karelian ear. As a second course, you could choose halibut fillet with mini vegetables, deer medallions with wild mushrooms or caramelized duck with asparagus.

On the morning of May 9, the leaders of 27 foreign countries will meet again at the Victory Day parade on Red Square.