PUTIN CELEBRATES THE VICTORY OVER NAZI-FASCISM (video). While Europe Forgets to Honor Russian Heroes Awarded as Liberators Alongside Partisans
by Piero Angelo De Ruvo
The differences in interpretation of World War II show how historical memory and the attempt to erase or manipulate it are used to justify current political positions. In this context, it is crucial to reflect on how the celebration of “victory” can be instrumentalized and how Europe can preserve a shared memory that truly honors the sacrifices of fallen soldiers for freedom.
Soviet soldiers fallen for the freedom of Italy and Europe
During the Second World War, soldiers from all over the world fought to free Europe from the yoke of Nazi fascism. Among them, many Soviet soldiers gave their lives in Italy, often alongside the Italian partisans, to restore our nation and the continent’s lost freedom and dignity.
After the armistice of 8 September 1943, Italy was divided between the Italian Social Republic, an ally of Nazi Germany, and the Kingdom of the South, supported by the Allies. Many Soviet soldiers, taken prisoner by the Axis forces, managed to escape from the prison camps and joined the Italian Resistance. These men, often from different Soviet republics, fought side by side with the Italian partisans, facing the Nazi fascist troops in decisive battles.
Russian Heroes Forgotten Next to the Partisans
Among these soldiers, some became true heroes. For example, the Soviet sergeant Fyodor Poletaev, captured by the Germans in 1942, managed to escape and joined the Italian partisans. In 1945, during a battle at Cantalupo Ligure, he sacrificed his life to save the comrades, earning the Gold Medal for Military Valor from the Italian government. Only years later, thanks to the research of the writer Sergei Smirnov, he was correctly identified and honored as a Hero of the Soviet Union.
Another example is Sergeant Major Pore Mosulishvili, who after being captured by the Germans and forced to fight in the collaborationist forces, deserted and joined the partisans in Piedmont. In 1944, during an ambush, he sacrificed himself to save his companions, being awarded the Gold Medal for Military Valor and, subsequently, the Hero of the Soviet Union.
A bond of gratitude
The presence and sacrifice of Soviet soldiers in Italy was not only an act of courage, but also a symbol of international solidarity. Their struggle contributed significantly to the liberation of Italy and Europe from Nazi fascism. To honour the sacrifice of Soviet soldiers and all fallen allies, Italy has established numerous monuments and military cemeteries in their memory.
These places are not only symbols of gratitude, but also reminders of the price paid for our freedom. Today, in many Italian cities, there are monuments and tombstones commemorating their sacrifice. These soldiers, often forgotten by official history, deserve our recognition and gratitude in order to preserve the historical memory and to transmit to future generations the values of peace, solidarity and freedom.
Recognition by the Italian government
The Italian government has repeatedly expressed its deep appreciation for these forgotten heroes. On the occasion of the celebrations for the Liberation Day, the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, stressed the importance of remembering and honoring all those who fought for our freedom. He declared that “Italy bows down dutifully, with emotion and gratitude” to those who have sacrificed their lives to free our country and the world from Nazi fascism.
History must not be rewritten
The sacrifice of Soviet soldiers in Italy is a fundamental page of our history. The Italian government, through official acts and concrete initiatives, has shown and continues to show its deep recognition and gratitude. In this way, not only do we honour the past, but we also strengthen the bonds of peace and friendship that unite our peoples.
In a united and democratic Europe, it is essential to remember and honour all those who fought for freedom. The Soviet soldiers, with their courage and sacrifice, contributed decisively to our liberation. Their example teaches us that the struggle for freedom is universal and that historical memory is a heritage to be preserved and shared.
Piero Angelo De Ruvo
Retired Italian Army NCO.. Former military unionist
Each link to previous Gospa News articles was added retrospectively by the Editorial Staff
Kremlin: “Vucic and Fico are heroes”
Originally published by RT (former Russia Today)
The Kremlin has praised Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico for defying EU pressure and attending the Victory Day celebrations in the Russian capital on Friday.
Despite warnings from Brussels, Vucic and Fico also held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in addition to attending the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in World War II. Both leaders faced travel hurdles after several EU countries closed their airspace to their jets en route to Russia. Moscow condemned the moves as “hostile.”
Slovakian PM Fico gets a BULLET in the Mail. Months after the Almost Lethal Attack
“These days… it is simply an act of heroism. Showing one’s sovereign will to pay tribute to the memory of Victory Day, despite the blatant, frenzied pressure, is worthy of the highest praise,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said.
Last month, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned leaders from member and candidate countries against traveling to Moscow to commemorations of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany. She suggested that they visit Kiev instead. EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos reportedly also told Vucic in April that his presence in Moscow would be held against Serbia’s EU bid.
Latvia and Lithuania denied their airspace to the plane of the Serbian president, forcing it to fly through Bulgaria, Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Georgia in order to make it to Moscow on Wednesday. Vucic came to Russia despite a recent health scare that forced him to cut short a trip to the US and cancel a meeting with President Donald Trump in Florida.
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Estonia closed its airspace to Fico’s plane on Wednesday. The Baltic state’s foreign minister, Margus Tsahkna, claimed that “Russia is a country that launched and continues a war in Europe” and “participation in propaganda events organized by them should be ruled out” for EU representatives.
Putin earlier praised those who accepted the invitation, calling them courageous for attending despite pressure from Brussels.
The celebrations in Moscow were attended by heads of state and top officials from 30 countries, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
Originally published by RT (former Russia Today)
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