Natalya Kochanova
GOMEL, 7 May (BelTA) – The average age of veterans in Belarus is 92 years, Chairwoman of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus Natalya Kochanova told journalists during the Second Youth Military-Patriotic Forum in Gomel, BelTA has learned.
The chairwoman of the Council of the Republic highlighted the unique nature of today’s realities, noting numerous challenges and threats. “Today’s youth face far more threats than we did in our childhood and youth. That is why we speak so much today about preserving historical truth and the Great Patriotic War, and we want to pass this on to young people,” the speaker pointed out.
Natalya Kochanova stressed that the number of veterans is decreasing every year. “Only 574 veterans of the Great Patriotic War remain in our country. Their average age is 92. These are the witnesses and participants of those events who are still with us. My generation grew up alongside these people who lived through the war. They were our teachers, relatives, friends, and neighbors. We lived among them and are literally imbued with those events, their example, and their memories,” the chairwoman of the Council of the Republic said.
“It is our sacred duty to do everything possible to ensure that our esteemed veterans, those who endured those horrific years of hardship, live in dignity. This includes providing medical care, addressing housing needs, and offering financial assistance. Undoubtedly, attention and care are essential,” the speaker noted.
Various campaigns take place on a regular basis, not only ahead of the Great Victory Day. “Throughout our lives, we pay tribute to those who laid down their lives for the long-awaited Victory, those who survived this war and today, by their own example, show us how to live, where that tragedy came from, and what truly happened back then,” she emphasized.
Natalya Kochanova expressed confidence that there is not a single family in Belarus that was not affected by that horrific tragedy. “Therefore, caring for veterans, their families, and friends is a sacred duty for us all. Naturally, the state takes all necessary measures to ensure that veterans feel secure and confident. The president of our country always pays close attention to these issues; hence, in Belarus, everything is done to ensure that veterans constantly feel cared for and are surrounded by attention – not in words, but in deeds,” the official summarized.
The Second Youth Military-Patriotic Forum is taking place in Gomel on 6-7 May. The forum was initiated by the Council of the Republic. The first forum took place in Minsk in December 2025. The event brings together hundreds of young people, including members of military-patriotic clubs and organizations actively involved in fostering patriotism.
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