The 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War has become the central event of 2025 across the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), with a series of commemorative ceremonies and celebrations planned throughout the year. This was announced by the CIS Secretary General Sergey Lebedev during a special session of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly dedicated to the anniversary.
"Undoubtedly, the 80th anniversary of our shared Victory in the Great Patriotic War stands out as the most significant occasion for the CIS in 2025. The heads of state have officially declared this year the Year of the 80th Anniversary of Victory, as well as a year of peace and unity in the fight against Nazism," Lebedev said.
He noted that the plan for commemorative events, approved by the CIS leaders, includes military parades, wreath-laying ceremonies, and tributes at memorials, monuments, and sites of historical and military significance across capital cities and hero cities in the region. Lebedev also recalled the CIS summit in October 2024, where leaders issued a joint appeal to the peoples of the Commonwealth and the international community, urging vigilance against the resurgence of fascism, Nazism, and militarism, and warning against the threat of a new global conflict.
As part of the celebrations already underway, special jubilee medals marking the 80th Victory anniversary are being awarded — a commemorative honor established by the CIS leadership. Additionally, some member states have nominated their cities for the recently introduced title of “City of Labor Glory of 1941–1945.”
“It is our collective duty to honor the memory of those who gave their lives for peace and freedom, to stand firm in defense of the just cause they died for, and to strengthen unity among people of goodwill in the face of all forms of Nazism, neo-Nazism, and the looming dangers of war,” Lebedev stressed.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a December 2024 meeting with CIS leaders, invited them to join the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow. According to Lebedev, all CIS heads of state are expected to attend the May 9 ceremonies in the Russian capital, where military units from CIS countries will also take part in the parade.
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Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS