Across Russia, a wave of reflection sweeps the nation as it commemorates 80 years since the Soviet victory in the Great Patriotic War, a defining chapter of World War II.
Among the most notable tributes is the 7th International Music Festival "Road to Yalta," held in the Russian capital Moscow from Monday to Thursday.
This year's festival brought together participants from 15 countries to perform Soviet wartime songs, transforming the Kremlin Palace into what organizers called a "venue of friendship among peoples." Artists bridged language barriers through music, united by themes of love, peace, and remembrance.
First-place honors went to Yan Yujie and Zeng Zhao from China, who performed "Eternal Flame," and Deborah Bowman from the United States, who sang "On an Unnamed Hill."
"Each artist today sang in gratitude to all the heroes who brought victory closer in World War II,” organizers noted.
For many Russians, the upcoming 80th anniversary of the end of the war holds particular significance.
"That great victory which happened 80 years ago is a shared event, a global event, and we are obliged to honor and remember it," said Darya Filatova, a Moscow resident.
Meanwhile, the international historical campaign "Victory Dictation" was held from April 25 to 27 for the 7th time. This year's event spanned 35,000 venues across Russia and 90 countries worldwide, drawing participants of all ages and professions.
Some answered the test questions, which included even topics on Chinese history, aboard trains, planes, ships, icebreakers, and even in space.
Gao Lei, deputy secretary of the All-China Youth Federation, described the campaign as "a way to pass on historical truth to future generations."
Another large-scale tribute, the global "Garden of Memory" initiative, continues to grow. Over the past five years, more than 130 million commemorative trees have been planted by millions of volunteers from 78 nations.
"Our countries made the greatest sacrifices on the altar of victory over Nazi Germany, militarist Japan, and their allies. It is very important to remember this and to speak about it," said Andrey Isayev, deputy leader of the United Russia faction in the State Duma.
As commemorations unfold, discussion is also turning to the future. Russian and Chinese leaders are emphasizing the importance of preserving historical truth while building on the two nations' shared wartime legacy.
"With great hope, peoples, anti-fascist forces, and progressive forces look toward Russia and China, turning to them as centers that will surely help preserve memory, provide truthful information about the events of World War II, and serve as a kind of guarantee against such trials recurring in the future," said Dmitry Novikov, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs.
Russia and China's shared history of resistance during World War II is seen as a foundation for deeper cooperation in various sectors. Both nations, officials said, must now confront modern challenges while preserving the lessons of the past. The goal, they emphasize, is to build a peaceful and stable world where both countries can thrive and ensure the well-being of their people.
Russia holds nationwide commemorations ahead of Victory Day
Russia holds nationwide commemorations ahead of Victory Day
