Russian Ambassador to China Andrei Denisov presents a medal on Wednesday to Chai E'li (R), a Chinese veteran who worked in the former Soviet Union, at a ceremony in Beijing marking the 70th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War (1941-45). FENG YONGBIN / CHINA DAILY

"Russia and all Russian people thank you for your contribution to the victory of the Great Patriotic War," Russian Ambassador to China Andrei Denisov told the 32 veterans in attendance to whom he presented Jubilee Medals.

"Our country will remember the heroes who protected and liberated the Soviet Union and contributed to the anti-fascist war, no matter which country they come from."