Celebrated 80th Anniversary of the Red Army's Defeat of Hitler's Fascism

The 80th anniversary of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) defeating Nazi Germany in World War II was celebrated at the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Istanbul. Those who lost their lives in the war were commemorated at the celebration held on the occasion of May 9 Victory Day.

A large number of guests attended the ceremony held to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War against Nazi Germany. Speaking at the opening, Russian Consul General in Istanbul Andrey Vyacheslavovich Buravov said, “Victory Day represents not only a military victory, but also the sacrifice, suffering and hope of millions. In this vast geography where different cultures and languages ​​meet, the traces of war and the value of peace are remembered together. Everyone stands in respect for history with their own identity, a common identity, and a spirit of unity and solidarity.”

"WE ALSO SAVED EUROPE"

The Russian consul said that there was no family left untouched by that terrible war:

"This victory was won at the cost of indescribable losses and sacrifices. I would like to remind you that the losses of the USSR were about 27 million people, most of whom were civilians. Not only was the sovereignty and independence of our country preserved, but a large part of Europe was saved from the 'black plague' and the enemy was destroyed in his lair. We bow in respect to the courage of those who defended the homeland, to the determination of those who fought shoulder to shoulder on the front and behind the lines."

Buravov, who also reacted to the distortion of history by Western powers, said, “Unfortunately, today we are more frequently faced with attempts to distort and rewrite historical facts. In many parts of Europe, liberating soldiers who lost their lives are declared invaders, while traitors and criminals are tried to be exonerated. Attacks on monuments of Soviet soldiers, the banning of Victory Day events and even the prevention of the use of ‘symbols of military aggression’ such as the St. George ribbon have unfortunately become widespread. We clearly see the currency and importance of the date we celebrate today in the rising Nazi ideology and practices in Europe. The establishment of fascist groups, the glorification of Nazi criminals and the spread of the ideology of hatred towards peoples reveal how serious this threat is.”