KALABUKHOV: SERBS DEFENDED THEIR INDEPENDENCE FROM BEGINNING TO END

BANJA LUKA, MAY 9 /SRNA/ - During World War II, alongside the Soviet Union, the Serbs defended their independence from beginning to end against German occupiers and their pro-fascist collaborators from several European countries, which is why Victory Day is a shared holiday, said Russian Federation Ambassador to BiH Igor Kalabukhov.

"Shoulder to shoulder, the victorious soldiers of the Red Army and the Yugoslav Partisan Army fought together. Preserving the memory of the Great Victory, of the feat of the liberating soldiers, and of their pledge to prevent the horrors of global war from ever being repeated is our duty and responsibility," Kalabukhov stated on the occasion of the 81st anniversary of the Great Victory. He pointed out that this is why there is determined resistance to attempts to falsify history, glorify Nazism, and deny the key role of the Soviet Union in defeating Nazism. Kalabukhov emphasized that Russian soldiers and officers today continue the traditions of their glorious ancestors and are fighting Nazism in its modern form, which he said has re-emerged in Ukraine. "We will inevitably achieve all the goals of the special military operation and prevail in this existential struggle for Russia and our national interests," Kalabukhov stressed. He added that the Russian Federation is sincerely grateful to the leadership of Republika Srpska and its people for their consistent contribution to the development of strategic partnership and friendship, as well as for supporting Russia's principled positions on preserving historical memory and combating modern forms of Nazism, RTRS reported. Kalabukhov noted that the Victory Parade being held today in Red Square in Moscow can rightfully be called one of the main symbols of this great holiday. "The parade honors the feat of veterans of the Great Patriotic War, creates a living connection between past and present, and unites the multinational people of Russia through shared historical memory. Today, everyone has the opportunity to pay tribute to their ancestors who fought fascism by participating in the 'Immortal Regiment' march," Kalabukhov said. He noted that these events will also be organized in several cities across Republika Srpska, for which he expressed gratitude for standing alongside Russia.