CIS countries are marking the 69th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Victory over fascism in 1945 remains an important historical event in the hearts of all people in Russia. Ismail Agakishiyev, a docent at the MSU History Faculty, called it a great and historical date because it was a victory over a very powerful enemy, against fascism, and had saved the country.
According to different estimations, about 26 million Soviet soldiers lost their lives in the war. Agakishiyev believes that consolidation of peoples was the main reason they had won the war.
In the docent's opinion, there have been many calls for reframe history and falsify it. Neo-Nazi movements are gaining more popularity. Agakishiyev emphasizes the need to give impartial historical records with both flaws and vigors. He insists that rehabilitation of fascism should be punished according to the law.
Colonel-General Oleg Salyukov, commander of the Russian Ground Forces, will command the parade of the 69th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Army General Sergey Shoygu, Hero of Russia and minister for defenses, will review the parade. Over 11,000 people and 151 vehicles will take part in the parade. The vehicles include T-90A tanks, armored cars, missile systems, launch platforms. Armored vehicles of the Sevastopol brigade and the Tayfun armored vehicles will be seen at the parade for the first time.
The Moscow and Tver Suvorov Military Schools, Nakhimov Naval School, Kronshtadt sailors, cadets of the Russian Naval Cadet Corps, cadets of the Danila Yefremov Cossack Cadet Corps will be seen at the parade for the second time.
69 aircraft, including helicopters, jets, bombers, assault planes, interceptors, will fly over the parade. The Russkiye Vityazi and Strizhi pilot groups of the Air Forces will show their skills in Sevastopol this year. Sevastopol and Crimea joined Russia after a referendum on May 16.
Russian President Vladimir Putin made a special message for the population. He called May 9 a day of national triumph, pride, commemoration and memory. Putin emphasized that ties between generations were a great national treasure.
