Embassy of the Russian Federation, Yangon, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar
THIS year is highlighted by the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945, one of the defining chapters of the Second World War and a pivotal moment in the history of the Soviet Union.
Victory Day, observed in Russia annually on 9 May, holds deep and lasting significance for the people of many countries, especially across the post-Soviet space. It remains a deeply meaningful day firmly rooted in collective memory and national identity, honouring resilience and shared victory over Nazism.
The legacy of the Great Patriotic War endures as a heroic yet tragic episode. It is passed down within families and preserved in personal stories. On 9 May, we pay tribute to the past generations who defended our Homeland, crushed Nazism and Fascism, liberated Europe and demonstrated exceptional courage on the battlefield and in the rear under the harshest of conditions. Their feat is fundamental to the outcome of the war and the formation of the modern world. We recall the origins of the aggression. The Nazi Germany invasion of the Soviet Union on 22 June 1941 marked one of the darkest days in our history.
It was not only the attack, but the attempt to wipe out the entire nation. The USSR lost more than 27 million lives – soldiers, guerrillas, resistance fighters, civilians, prisoners of war and those who bore the hardships of occupation and sieges, including the tragic Siege of Leningrad. We bow our heads in memory of all who gave their lives for peace. Their sacrifice is remembered in every family, every city and every corner of Russia. The fate of humanity was determined in decisive battles across vast territories – from Moscow and Leningrad to Stalingrad, Kursk and beyond, from the Arctic to the Caucasus and Crimea.
The Soviet Union bore the primary burden of resistance while much of occupied Europe was incorporated into the Nazi war economy. At the same time, the contribution and the courage of all who fought against this evil across Europe, South-East Asia and the Pacific remain a significant component of the shared historical inheritance and responsibility.
Nations from all over the world contributed to the fall of the Third Reich. Among them, Myanmar (then Burma) became a part of the wider Asian theatre of the Second World War. The Burma Campaign turned the region into a critical battlefield. The developments in Myanmar accelerated decolonization and fuelled independence movements in Asia. During the Japanese occupation, anti-fascist and anti-colonial forces of Myanmar consolidated into a unified entity.
The uprising of the Burma National Army in March of 1945 hastened the enemy’s withdrawal and paved the way for Myanmar’s independence from British rule on 4 January 1948. These processes resonate today in discussions on sovereignty and global struggle against neo-colonial practices in international relations, as reflected in the recently established International Day against Colonialism in All Its Forms and Manifestations.
The war demonstrated the profound power of solidarity. Nations with different sociopolitical systems, values and interests were able to unite for the common cause. In the post-war world, this cohesion gave rise to a new international architecture based on collective security and cooperation. However, present global tensions testify to the need to constantly reinforce and protect these principles.
Today, we witness worrisome trends in history interpretation, in particular, increasing attempts to distort the truth about World War II and diminish the role of those who fought against the anti-humanitarian ideologies and practices of the so-called “Axis” powers, as well as to rehabilitate Nazi collaborators or to justify extremism. Russia rejects any narrative based on Nazi-like claims of exceptionalism. History has already demonstrated its dead-end nature.
The world is in the grips of new evolving challenges. All of us once again go through a difficult and defining period. People all over the world aspire for stability, security and the possibility of development in an environment free from conflict or external pressure. Amidst global turbulence, Russia emphasizes the importance of respect for international law and upholding the UN Charter as a precious heritage and timeless value of the post-World War II period. The past holds particular relevance as societies seek a proper way in times of uncertainty, with nations turning to history as a source of guidance.
The legacy of the Great Victory remains one of the most significant moral reference points in the modern era. Russia’s war veterans remind us that strength lies not only in military might, but also in spiritual endurance, solidarity and the ability to defend truth. Victory Day unites generations, reinforcing the belief that the future must be built on historical awareness, mutual respect and responsibility.
Drawing upon centuries of tradition and experience, Russia moves forward with the understanding that peace should not be taken for granted – it is maintained through collective effort and cooperation. (The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author.)
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