Victory Day Celebrations Marked as Sacred Holiday in Russia, Putin Remarks at Forum

Volgograd, April 29. /TASS/ – President Vladimir Putin declared Victory Day as a "sacred holiday" for Russia and other post-Soviet states during his address at the Great Heritage - Common Future international forum.

Putin emphasized that Victory Day holds profound significance in Russia, as well as in many former Soviet republics. "During the war, our peoples endured the harshest trials together, defending their independence and future. The defeat of Nazism is our shared legacy," the president remarked.

Looking ahead to the upcoming May 9th celebrations, Putin confirmed that leaders from various countries are expected to attend the Victory Day events in Moscow. He expressed deep appreciation for the participation of military formations from numerous nations, which will march alongside Russian soldiers during the iconic Victory Parade on Red Square.

The Russian president praised the Red Army's resilience and the unity of the multinational Soviet people. He described this unity as a powerful and indomitable force, pivotal in the defeat of Nazi Germany. He also underscored the symbolic importance of the forum, which is being held in Volgograd, "the hero-city where the fate of the whole world was decided."

"The decisive battle on the banks of the Volga halted and crushed the enemy. It was here that a turning point in the war occurred, opening the road westward — to Berlin and to the Great Victory," Putin stated. He also noted that Russia would soon commemorate the 80th anniversary of this victory.

Recalling his recent visit to the Mamayev Kurgan memorial, Putin reflected on discussions with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko regarding the valor of those who defended Stalingrad. He highlighted the bravery of the soldiers who fought to the death, drawing comparisons to other wartime heroes such as those at the Brest Fortress, Leningrad, Sevastopol, and Minsk.

In closing, Putin commended the success of the forum, which gathered parliamentary leaders, public figures, and experts from over 20 countries across Southeast Asia, Europe, and Latin America. He expressed his gratitude to President Lukashenko for participating and reaffirmed the forum's focus on preserving historical memory, shared values, and educating the younger generation in the spirit of patriotism and devotion to the homeland.