Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised the heroism of citizens of the former Soviet Union as he unveiled a giant memorial to the victory of World War II on a hill in southwest Moscow.

Putin made the remarks on the first day of the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Soviet people's victory in the 1941 to 1945 Great Patriotic War.

Putin said that the Soviet people not only defended their country but also freed 11 European countries during World War II, saying the courage and unity of multi-ethnic population became the main force that defeated fascism.

The new monument, which features 15 giant bronze columns, was unveiled by Putin and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov on Poklonnaya Hill.

(Xinhua News Agency May 8, 2005)