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30 April 2025 National Assembly Deputy Speaker Marina Ragus at the international forum in Volgograd marking the anniversary of liberation from Nazism
Wednesday, 30 April 2025
National Assembly Deputy Speaker Marina Ragus Heads Delegation to International Forum in Volgograd Marking Anniversary of Liberation from Nazism
National Assembly delegation, headed by National Assembly Deputy Speaker and Chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committee Marina Ragus, took part in the international forum entitled "Great Heritage - Common Future", held in Volgograd from 28 to 30 April 2025 to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation from the Nazi regime in World War II. The delegation also included MPs Dijana Radovic and Dragan Stanojevic.
The forum was initiated by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union of Belarus and Russia. This year, the meeting was dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the victory in World War II. More than 500 parliamentarians from the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States, Asia, Europe, Latin America, as well as scientists, public figures and international experts took part.
The forum participants were addressed by the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and the President of Belarus Alexander Grigoryevich Lukashenko. The parliamentarians and experts discussed the preservation of the historical truth about the war and the patriotic education of young people.
The Serbian delegation also participated in the Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Eternal Flame on Mamayev Kurgan and visited the historical memorial complex dedicated to the "Heroes of the Battle of Stalingrad", as well as the "Light of the Great Victory" event. Marina Ragus participated in the lighting ceremony of the Eternal Flame on the Alley of Heroes.
During the plenary session of the forum, in her address to the attendees, Deputy Speaker Marina Ragus said that it is the duty of all peoples who defeated Nazism together to cherish the memory of that great victory and persevere in the fight against all forms of revisionism, racism, xenophobia and chauvinism. She emphasised the importance of joint resistance to the criminal ideologies that led to the greatest suffering in the history of humanity.
"Human history teaches us that the conviction of one's own exceptionalism and the pursuit of geopolitical goals at all costs lead to tragedy. It is up to us to remember this, to remind, and to persevere in the fight for the truth," Ragus stressed.
She pointed out the need to preserve the memory of the fight against fascism not only within the framework of marking anniversaries, but to nurture it every day – through the education system, culture, art and public space. She particularly highlighted the danger of the rehabilitation of quislings and the heroization of Nazism in certain countries, which, she said, leads to fascism in society.
Speaking about Volgograd as a symbol of resistance and victory, Ragus recalled that there is an immense monument "The Motherland Calls" on Mamayev Kurgan, the work of the sculptor of Serbian origin Yevgeny Vuchetich. She said that the battle of Volgograd lasted 200 days, and that the 200 steps leading to the monument represent a symbol of that heroic struggle. In this context, Ragus emphasised the strong cultural and historical ties between Serbia and Russia, and recalled that many Serbian cities, such as Krusevac, have established fraternal relations with hero cities such as Volgograd.
Continuing her address, Marina Ragus presented in detail Serbia's activities in the field of fostering a culture of remembrance for the victims of fascism and the anti-fascist struggle. She pointed out that on 9 May, Serbia marks Victory Day over Fascism with ceremonial parades, wreath-laying ceremonies, and the traditional artillery fire from the Belgrade Fortress.
She particularly highlighted significant memorial complexes in Serbia, such as the Cemetery of the Liberators of Belgrade, the monuments on Avala, and the "Cacalica" Memorial Complex in Pozarevac. She recalled that there are 26 memorials in Serbia where more than 8,000 Soviet soldiers and officers are buried, and that Serbia regularly makes efforts to preserve and commemorate these sites with dignity.
Ragus particularly highlighted the fact that in 2019, a memorial plaque was unveiled on Republic Square in Belgrade in memory of the 940 Soviet soldiers who died during the liberation of the city. This monument, she pointed out, is a symbol of joint struggle and friendship, as well as a reminder of the need to resist any attempt to falsify history.
She also reminded the attendees of other important dates that Serbia marks - the International Day against Fascism and Antisemitism (9 November), the International Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Holocaust, as well as 22 April - the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Holocaust, Genocide and Other Victims of Fascism in World War II, in memory of the breakout from the Ustasha camp in Jasenovac.
"Serbia will continue to be the guardian of truth and memory. We oppose any rehabilitation of defeated ideologies. That is why we co-sponsored the Resolution combating the glorification of Nazism adopted by the UN General Assembly, as well as the joint statement at the level of OSCE on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the victory over fascism," Ragus stressed.
In conclusion, Marina Ragus called on all peoples who share the historical struggle against fascism to remain united in defending freedom, peace and anti-fascist values, and jointly oppose attempts to relativize the victory of 1945.
"The memory of the heroes and victims of World War II is not just the past - it is our guide for the future. Under the banner of freedom, patriotism and heroism, we continue to preserve the truth and dignity of our common heritage," said Ragus.
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