80 years of victory over fascism and its significance in the times

Victory Day, celebrated on May 9 every year in Russia, is considered the most important non-religious holiday in Russia, according to The New York Times. This is an occasion for Russians to remember those who died fighting fascism in World War II.

Some 24 million Soviet soldiers and civilians died, among the highest casualties of any country in World War II. For most Russians, May 9 is also a symbol of resilience, sacrifice and patriotism.

Russian soldiers rehearse on May 7 in preparation for the Victory Day parade

PHOTO: REUTERS

End of 4 years of national defense struggle

Victory Day, May 9, has great significance in Russian history, marking the end of four years of fighting against Nazi Germany, since the Nazi army launched Operation Barbarossa, sending troops to the Soviet border.

The Soviet army and people fought steadfastly to repel the advance of the Nazi army with its great military potential at that time. The Nazis once approached the capital Moscow, but were repelled by the Soviet counterattacks, typically the Battle of Stalingrad in 1942-1943, the battle became an important turning point for the Soviet Red Army to switch from defense to attack, creating the foundation for the final victory. The image of Red Army soldiers planting the victory flag on the roof of the Reichstag German parliament building in Berlin on May 2, 1945 is a typical symbol of the struggle of the Soviet people against Nazi Germany.

Nazi and Allied officials meet in Reims, France on May 7, 1945 to sign a document confirming Germany's unconditional surrender.

PHOTO: AP

The moment Nazi officials signed the surrender document in Berlin in the early morning of May 9, Moscow time, went down in Russian history as a milestone in the defeat of fascism.

In Russia, May 9 is not only a day of commemoration, but also an occasion to enhance national solidarity,educate the younger generation about the fighting spirit and sacrifice of the previous generation to gain independence and freedom. During most of World War II, up to 75% of the Nazi army was deployed to the eastern front to confront the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union mobilized many forces from all walks of life to participate in the resistance and also suffered heavy losses in human lives and property.

Victory of epochal significance

The victory of the Soviet Red Army over Nazi Germany also contributed significantly to the world 's overall victory against fascism at that time. This was also the springboard for the Allies to defeat the Japanese militarists, ending World War II, one of the largest and bloodiest wars in human history.

The outcome of this war had epochal significance for many countries and peoples in the world, changing the international political situation, strongly encouraging and creating opportunities for movements fighting for national independence in countries around the world, including Vietnam. During this period, in August 1945, Vietnam successfully carried out a general uprising to seize power. On September 2, 1945, at the historic Ba Dinh Square, President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

The victory of the Soviet Union in particular and of peace-loving countries in general was also an important driving force for oppressed peoples to rise up and regain independence and freedom. The victory of the Soviet Red Army also contributed to creating the foundation for the world to build a multilateral international system, notably the birth of the United Nations, with principles of respect for equality, the right to self-determination of nations, and the settlement of disputes by peaceful means.

After 80 years, the human losses and pain in the war against fascism have also become lessons about the value of peace and sacrifice, as a reminder to the people of the world today about the importance of maintaining global peace and security.

Russian military armor appears on the streets of Moscow in preparation for the May 9 parade

PHOTO: REUTERS

United Nations Commemorative Session

The United Nations General Assembly on May 7 held an official session commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia emphasized that the victory over fascism was paid for with the blood of tens of millions of people who died in Russia and other countries around the world.

Thanhnien.vn

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/80-nam-chien-thang-phat-xit-va-y-nghia-thoi-dai-185250509004549443.htm