Opinions & Interviews

MOSCOW, 8 May (BelTA) – Russians and Belarusians should walk across the Red Square together as part of the parade to celebrate the 70^th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko made the relevant statement as he met with President of Russia Vladimir Putin in Moscow on 8 May, BelTA has learned.

“We truly were together back then and after that and are together now,” said the Belarusian leader. “You and I should consider the idea of Belarusians and Russians somehow demonstrating this unity. I think it will be fine if our troops take part in the Red Square parade”.

Alexander Lukashenko pointed out that the Belarusian side always invites Russian troops for parades. “I think if you agree, we will consider the possibility and will demonstrate it one more time 70 years after our victory,” noted the Belarus President.

He also congratulated Russians on Victory Day.

Vladimir Putin thanked Alexander Lukashenko for visiting Moscow on the eve of Victory Day. “I know that you are busy preparing for the celebration and the ice hockey world championship. A lot of things to do, nevertheless, you managed to find spare time to come here. It seems to me it is natural. As former components of the Soviet Union Russia and Belarus made a huge contribution and sacrificed a lot in the fight against Nazism. Therefore, it is only natural for the two nations to be together on these days,” noted the President of Russia.

During the informal meeting of the leaders of the five states Alexander Lukashenko pointed out that the present Victory Day is different from previous ones because the deed of the great victory is unanimously and clearly recognized. “It is very important. Various attempts have been made to diminish the role of the Soviet people in this victory, our role, the role of our nations. The attempts even stooped so low as to blame us for launching this horrible disaster in the middle of the last century. Thanks to our unity we are not afraid of speaking about our victory. We clearly underline, everyone does, the importance of the victory. It is important because we saved the global civilization from destruction, we reduced the voices of our ill-wishers,” said the Belarusian leader. He added that it was particularly important because the younger generation should understand the value of the victory, should treasure and believe in the victory.