MINSK, 8 May (BelTA) – The Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted the opening of an exhibition dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory on 8 May. Attending the event were Belarusian Minister of Foreign Minister Maksim Ryzhenkov, Belarusian and foreign diplomats, BelTA has learned.
Guests were welcomed in a hall decorated with wartime items, accompanied by patriotic songs and traditional soldier’s porridge. The exhibition featured works by renowned Belarusian artist Sergei Krishtapovich, evoking wartime events.
Maksim Ryzhenkov emphasized that art plays a crucial role in passing historical memory from generation to generation. He stressed the importance of preserving the memory of tragic events of the war through various forms of art, including paintings, literature, and monuments.
His speech carried a tone of reflection rather than celebration, highlighting the growing global tensions that have emerged 80 years after the end of the Great Patriotic War. "Today, as we take time to recall what happened 80 years ago and reflect, it is absolutely unacceptable how this memory is being erased, historical evidence is being destroyed, and attempts are made to rewrite history in some countries, creating a foundation for a new reality where, unfortunately, threats to peace may reemerge," Maksim Ryzhenkov stated.
He noted that relying only on the memories of those who lived through the tragedy is becoming difficult, as their numbers dwindle each year.
"Art helps us maintain a dialogue with those who fought 80 years ago, who suffered in concentration camps, who were tortured in gas chambers, who perished on the battlefields," the minister said. "Art serves as a bridge to those events, inspiring the brightest and most peaceful aspirations in us."
Maksim Ryzhenkov also highlighted that Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko places great importance on preserving historical memory.
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