Putin called cynicism accusations against Stalin at the beginning of WWII. He recalled that on 22 June at 4 a.m. it was the Nazi Germany attacked the Soviet Union, and not Vice versa, reports the Russian Dialogue.

The head of state refused to characterize the period of Stalin’s rule, but disagreed with the attempts to assign to this statesman responsible for the war.

“You know, we all know that is associated with the repression, the camps, the losses among our citizens during these reprisals. It is a black page in the history of our country, but it is to say that Stalin started the war is the height of cynicism,” he said.

The Russian President urged not to forget the tragic outcome of this war for the Soviet people. Putin pointed to the existence of a threat that people will no longer fear the recurrence of such tragedies.

Earlier, Putin, commenting on Japan’s claim to the Kuril Islands, called Stalin a “dad” and spoke about its role in the transition of the disputed territory under the control of the Soviet Union.

Recall, the Russian actor Dmitry Pevtsov has admitted that he would play the role of Stalin and told that the Soviet leader did for his country.