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Abigail Mawonde Herald Reporter
The Russian Embassy yesterday hosted a reception to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Great Victory over Nazi Germany during World War II.

Speaking at the reception attended by senior Government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and civil society, Russia’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Sergey Bakharev, said the victory was secured through the united efforts of many nations to preserve freedom and the right to self-determination.

“I would like to congratulate you all from all my heart on the forthcoming 70th anniversary of the Great Victory,” he said. “Seventy years ago, Nazism was defeated. Peace returned to our country and to Europe as a whole.

“The Soviet Union bore the brunt of the Nazis’ attack as they threw in three quarters of their troops to the Eastern Front. They wanted to scorch our land, but instead they met with resistance unparalleled in courage and strength.”

Mr Bakharev said the Great Victory had been recognised by the United Nations as a common value for all humanity.

“The recognition of the Victory as a common value of the entire humanity was confirmed by the unanimous adoption of the UN General Assembly’s resolution on the 70th anniversary of World War II on February 26 2015 upon the initiative of Russia and China,” he said.

“Our Zimbabwean friends joined the long list of its co-authors.”

The Russian ambassador also spoke against those who want to celebrate Nazism and advocate its re-emergence.

“We believe that any attempts to glorify Nazism are inadmissible,” he said. “Equally cynical are attempts to make national heroes out of those who fought against the anti-Hitler coalition or collaborated with the Nazi.

“It is important to prevent the resurgence of neo-fascism, chauvinism, and other forms of xenophobia and to prevent the popularisation of radical nationalism, including among young people.”

Mr Bakharev also said it was important that the UN continued to play the role it was created for soon after the end of World War II.

“Our goal is to prevent the repetition of the tragic events of the 20th century and to ensure that the United Nations, which was created after World War II, remains the centre for all decision-making, pertaining to peace and security to ensure that no one ever attempts to dominate or to subdue others against their will,” he said.

The main celebrations to mark the event will be held tomorrow at the Red Square in Moscow where many world leaders including the African Union chairperson and Zimbabwe President Mugabe will be in attendance.