Leaders mark 70th anniversary of World War II

Leaders mark 70th anniversary of World War II.

At least 20 world leaders gathered in Poland on Tuesday to celebrate the beginning of World War II 70 years ago -- a conflict in which 6 million Poles died.

Germany before the dawn raid began after the armor of Schleswig-Holstein opened fire on a military base Westerplatte port of Gdansk, on 1 September 1939.

The attack triggered a chain of events that ultimately makes all the great powers at war. The conflict lasted until September 2, 1945, Germany's ally, Japan signed an unconditional surrender.

The leaders of many countries were on the Ganske Tuesday to place a ceremonial wreath at the cemetery of the defenders of Westerplatte, with speeches of celebration to be held at the memorial Westerplatte.

Among those present were German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Prime Minister Russian President Vladimir Putin - The leaders of both nations held an ounce of power over Poland.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin (right) chats with his

Polish counterpart Donald Tusk in Poland on Tuesday.

Merkel said on Tuesday that her country unleashed "endless suffering" by starting the war, but also recalled the fate of ethnic Germans expelled at the end of the conflict. Watch as Poland marks start of WWII »

"Germany attacked Poland, Germany started World War II. We caused unending suffering in the world. Sixty million dead ... was the result," Merkel said on German television, according to Agence-France Presse.

Poland first came under German influence at the start of the war, but was later dominated for about 40 years by the Russian-led Soviet Union as the Cold War between East and West settled in after World War II.

"But the expulsion of well over 12 million people from areas of the former Germany and present-day Poland is of course an injustice. This must also be recognised," she said.

A dwindling group of veterans, now in their 80s and 90s, was also due to attend.