Russian ambassador Anatoly Borovik reads a statement during the observance of victory in the ‘Great Patriotic War’, at the Russian embassy in Phnom Penh on May 7. Phak Seangly
The Russian ambassador to Cambodia has claimed that Russia is making every effort to ensure that all countries in the world can live in peace. He emphasised the importance of standing shoulder to shoulder with other peace-loving nations to prevent any repeat of the devastation seen during World War II.
Anatoly Borovik issued the statement on the morning of Wednesday, May 7, at the Russian embassy in Phnom Penh, during the commemoration of the “Immortal Regiment” march — a ceremony held to honour the memory of patriotic heroes of World War II.
This event has become a significant tradition, especially as it takes place just before the 80th anniversary of the Soviet people’s victory in the “Great Patriotic War”, as the Second World War, is known in Russia, on May 9. The event aims to preserve the memory of the bravery of Russian ancestors who defended their homeland against the Nazis.
The Soviet contribution to the allied victory was significant, with approximately 80 per cent of German casualties in the entire war occurring on the Eastern Front.
“Today's event, the Immortal Regiment march, is one of the ways to commemorate the deeds of our ancestors. It is a very powerful image of how people are bearing the portraits of their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents who made a contribution to the Great Victory,” he said.
The traditional ceremony features the march of the ‘Immortal Regiment’, in which Russians bear portraits of their ancestors from the Second World War. Phak Seangly
He recalled that the ancestors sacrificed their lives to defend their motherland during World War II. The Soviet people suffered greatly in the war against the Nazis. More than 26 million lives were lost, and many cities, villages and communes were completely destroyed. This stands as one of the most profound losses in Russian history.
“This anniversary is of the utmost importance to the Russian people. We must always remember the victory of our ancestors who defended our homeland, and it serves as a reminder of the value of peace, which is vital for all nations,” he said.
Approximately 80 Russians living in Cambodia participated in the event, including students and young people. They laid flowers at a memorial, marched within the embassy grounds holding portraits of their ancestors, and took commemorative photos.
The ambassador remarked that Russia is determined to prevent the resurgence of Nazi ideology, which could once again threaten humanity.
Russians – young and old – lay flowers and wreathes on a memorial to the heroes of the Second World War. Phak Seangly
“Our country has declared itself a nation of peace. We are doing everything we can to ensure that all countries in the world can live in peace. We stand alongside other peace-loving nations to ensure there is no repetition of a world war like the second one,” he stated.
“Russia has declared that it cannot let the war which ended 80 years ago repeat itself. Russia makes every effort to establish the system of indivisible security for all states. Only this kind of architecture is able to provide stable peace and prosperity to mankind,” he added.
