Putin: Russia Paid a Heavy Price to Liberate Europe from Nazism
Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, stated on the 81st anniversary of the victory over Nazism that Russia paid a heavy price to free Europe from Nazism, and today Russian soldiers stand against what he called “NATO-backed aggression.”
According to Russian media, Putin emphasized in his speech that the legacy and bequests of the victory soldiers are an inseparable part of Russia’s national identity and historical memory. He said the people of Russia regard this legacy as sacred and consider the victory in World War II a decisive turning point in the country’s destiny.
The Russian president described the beginning of the “Great Patriotic War” as one of the saddest periods in the country’s history and added that Nazi Germany, by attacking the Soviet Union, intended to destroy and enslave its multinational people. According to him, the sacrifice and courage of the Soviet people laid the groundwork for the defeat of Nazism.
Putin stated that love for the homeland is the force that unites Russia and that loyalty to the country can bring millions of citizens together around a common goal. He added that the heroism of the victorious generation inspires Russian soldiers in the “special military operation.”
He also emphasized that victory is not achieved only on the battlefield, but civilians working behind the lines also play a role in this process. Putin said Russia is developing modern weapons based on its combat experience, and the destiny of the country is determined by its people.
Russia commemorates May 9 every year as Victory Day over Nazism; an event that holds a prominent place in the country’s historical memory and is always marked by official ceremonies and speeches by senior officials.
