The Russian Consulate in Karachi hosted a solemn ceremony to commemorate the unmatched sacrifices of Soviet soldiers in World War II, while also acknowledging the contributions of Pakistani troops who served bravely on various fronts. The event served as a powerful reminder of Russia’s central role in defeating Nazi Germany and preserving the foundations of the modern world order.
Addressing the gathering, Russian Consul General Andrey Viktorovich Fedorov stated that the Soviet Union bore the heaviest burden in the Allied war effort, with over 27 million Soviet lives lost—including millions of civilians. He emphasized that 80 percent of the Nazi war machine was destroyed by the Soviet Red Army, leaving no doubt about the decisive nature of the Soviet contribution to the victory.
“History must reflect the truth,” Fedorov said. “Any attempt to diminish the role of the Soviet Union in the defeat of Nazism is not only historically inaccurate—it is morally unacceptable.”
The Consul General paid tribute to Pakistani soldiers who fought courageously during the war, noting their bravery and dedication in the global struggle against fascism. He acknowledged that many are buried in Karachi’s military cemetery, symbolizing the city’s connection to this monumental chapter of world history.
Fedorov also praised Pakistan for co-authoring a UN General Assembly resolution marking the 18th anniversary of the end of World War II—an act he called a “powerful recognition of the true architects of victory.”
Reflecting on the Soviet Union’s legacy, he recalled how, in the face of extreme conditions—including temperatures as low as minus 25 degrees Celsius and the 900-day siege of Leningrad—Soviet citizens never surrendered. Instead, they defended their homeland and destroyed a regime bent on wiping out their culture and identity.
Fedorov warned that neo-Nazi movements remain a threat to global peace and reiterated that Russia would never allow such ideologies to take root again. “The Russian people understand this danger more deeply than any other nation,” he declared. “And we will take every necessary step to ensure a safe and shared future.”
The ceremony also featured a tribute to the “Immortal Regiment,” with participants carrying portraits of their relatives who served in the Soviet military during WWII, reinforcing the enduring legacy of sacrifice, resistance, and ultimate victory.
