Opinions & Interviews

Opinion: Preserving historical memory is impossible without protecting historical truth

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MINSK, 17 December (BelTA) – The most important task is to preserve and pass on historical truth to the future generations as an essential part of protecting historical memory, said Artyom Turov, Chair of the Parliamentary Assembly Commission on Youth Policy, Sports and Tourism and member of the Commission on the Preservation and Protection of Historical Memory, during the Minsk-Moscow video conference “Historical memory of the Union State: Defending the truth, upholding unity”, BelTA has learned.

Speaking about the need to preserve historical memory, Artyom Turov noted that this cannot be done without maintaining accurate historical information. “If we look at what has been happening in Ukraine over the past ten years, we see fundamental changes in how history is taught. In effect, an alternative version of history has been created as part of the hybrid war waged by the collective West against the former Soviet republics. For us, the most important thing is to preserve and pass on historical truth to younger generations,” he said.

As an example, he cited initiatives implemented within Union State programs. “In 2025, for the first time, we developed and launched a roadmap for youth policy in both countries, coordinating the work of relevant ministries as well as children’s and youth organizations. The roadmap is already being implemented effectively, enabling joint work,” Artyom Turov noted.

Among the key events, he highlighted the Union State Youth Festival, which included not only a creative program but also a business program that addressed issues of historical memory. As part of the festival, the first Union State Forum of Young Historians was held, bringing together young lecturers and students studying historical disciplines.

“This year, the forum in Mogilev was even larger, with a focus on civic and patriotic education. Several initiatives have emerged that will be launched in 2026,” Artyom Turov said.

Among these initiatives by young historians is the creation of a special resource dedicated to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War. This resource is presented in the national languages of the former Soviet republics, which is important because historical data is often falsified in these countries and war criminals are sometimes glorified.

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