Vientiane: The Second World War became the greatest tragedy in human history. During the war, the Soviet Union was the main battleground in Europe, standing shoulder to shoulder with China in the Far East. It was the USSR that bore the brunt of Hitler’s Germany and its allies, playing a key role in the destruction of fascism and militarism. The Soviet people endured the hardships of a treacherous invasion, engaging in fierce combat and sacrificing innumerable lives to secure the Great Victory.
According to Lao News Agency, this triumph was significant for the entire world. The defeat of Nazi Germany and militaristic Japan marked the end of the fascist ideology’s claims to global domination and their intentions to enslave entire nations. Today, together with friendly and like-minded states, Russia shares the mission of preserving the historical memory of the Second World War. In Russia, the heroic deeds of the Soviet Union, China, and other Allied countries are always remembered, commemorating the 27 million Soviet soldiers who lost their lives.
The Russian Federation expresses deep respect to frontline warriors and home front workers for their heroism during the war. Russia emphasizes educating youth using the example of older generations, adhering to values of patriotism, duty to the Motherland, and readiness for self-sacrifice. Unfortunately, some have forgotten the lessons of that war, and Russia remains vigilant in preventing attempts to falsify its history or diminish the Soviet Union’s contribution.
Russia consistently calls on the international community to respect principles preventing warmongering, genocide, and other crimes against humanity. The verdicts of the International Military Tribunals constitute an unshakeable foundation of modern international law. As the Ambassador of the Russian Federation in Laos, there is a recognition of the shared history between the two countries, united in preserving historical truth.
Laos endured the burdens of war during its struggle for national liberation, suffering casualties and facing ongoing risks from unexploded ordnance. The spiritual closeness between Laos and Russia emerged during difficult times, with the Soviet Union supporting Laos in its struggle for independence and development. Russia expresses gratitude to Laos for honoring the Soviet pilots-internationalists with monuments in 2022.
Laos, in cooperation with Russia and other like-minded states, consistently adopts resolutions against the glorification of Nazism and neocolonialism. In 2025, Russia and Laos will celebrate significant national and bilateral anniversaries, including the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the 65th Anniversary of diplomatic relations.
A year ago, a Lao delegation participated in Moscow’s May 9th celebrations, with the Lao People’s Army parading on Red Square. High-level visits have further strengthened the partnership between Russia and Laos in various fields, including defense, economic cooperation, and humanitarian exchanges.
The Russian-Lao cooperation is expected to continue contributing to international justice and the post-war world order, aiming for a prosperous future for both countries and humanity.