Russia and Tajikistan are united by a strong and time-tested partnership built on mutual understanding and support, underpinned by the trusted and friendly relationship between the presidents of the two countries — Vladimir Putin and Emomali Rahmon. This was stated by Russian Ambassador to Tajikistan, Semen Grigoryev, in an article titled “80 Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War: Historical Memory and Friendship Between Peoples”, published in a special issue of Dusti (“Friendship”) — the journal of the Tajik Society for Friendship and Cultural Cooperation with Foreign Countries.
“I would like to emphasize that Russia and Tajikistan are united by a partnership proven over time, founded on mutual understanding and support, a shared vision of global development, and common traditional values cherished by our peoples. The foundation of this relationship lies in the close and trusting ties between our two presidents — Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation and Emomali Rahmon of the Republic of Tajikistan — which set the tone for expanding our multifaceted and mutually beneficial cooperation,” the article states.
According to Grigoryev, the respectful and careful preservation of the memory of the Great Patriotic War in Tajikistan is especially commendable. “Here, veterans — whose numbers sadly continue to dwindle — are truly honored and supported. We deeply value the enduring traditions of patriotic education among youth, reverence for history, and respect for the honor and dignity of their ancestors. The memory of their immortal sacrifice must never be forgotten,” the ambassador emphasized.
He also underscored the importance of remembering the lessons of the Great Patriotic War and defending the truth about its heroes. “Today, in the face of the West’s aggressive attempts to distort historical facts, we all recognize the critical importance of preserving historical memory,” Grigoryev continued.
“Crimes against humanity have no statute of limitations. Official recognition at the international level of the crimes committed by the Third Reich on Soviet soil as acts of genocide is a long-overdue step that will restore historical justice to all the peoples of the former Soviet Union — more than 27 million of whose citizens perished under Nazi aggression,” he added.
Tajikistan’s Contribution to Victory
As of today, 17 veterans of the Great Patriotic War still live in Tajikistan, along with 121 home front workers. In honor of Victory Day, the country’s government has provided all of them with a one-time payment. According to a decree by President Rahmon, each veteran will receive 50,000 somoni (just over $4,800), with additional assistance provided by regional and local authorities.
During the war, more than 300,000 people from Tajikistan were drafted into the Red Army, and over 90,000 never returned. According to the republic’s council of war and labor veterans, 56,000 Tajik citizens were awarded Soviet orders and medals for their bravery and combat merit, 56 were named Heroes of the Soviet Union, and 21 received all three degrees of the Order of Glory.
Official data also shows that during the Great Patriotic War, approximately 100,000 people were evacuated to Tajikistan from Soviet regions affected by the fighting. The republic hosted 29 military hospitals, where tens of thousands of wounded soldiers received treatment and returned to the front.
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Photo: Federation Council
Based on TASS materials