Vyacheslav Volodin
BREST, 16 June (BelTA) - The Union State of Belarus and Russia does not accept the distortion of history and will do everything to preserve historical memory, Speaker of the State Duma of Russia, Chairman of the Union State Parliamentary Assembly Vyacheslav Volodin said during a session of the Union State Parliamentary Assembly held in Brest on 16 June, BelTA has learned.
Vyacheslav Volodin emphasized that holding the session in Brest during the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory is highly symbolic. "Belarus was the first country to take the blow of the fascists. The defense of Brest Fortress has forever entered history as a symbol of courage, heroism, bravery, and resilience of Soviet soldiers and officers. One of the most difficult chapters of our common history began at the walls of Brest Fortress," he said.
In the run-up to the session, Parliamentary Assembly deputies visited the Brest Hero Fortress Memorial Complex and laid flowers at the Eternal Flame in honor of the defenders of the Fatherland. They also toured the national center for patriotic education of youth based in Brest Fortress. "The patriotic youth center is situated directly in Brest Fortress. If we consider this matter from a broader perspective, we can see how effective this decision is not only for improving children's well-being but also for shaping them into true citizens of our country. Within the fortress, they will engage with living history, experiencing the events of those years firsthand, allowing them to understand and draw the right conclusions," Vyacheslav Volodin stated. Plans are underway to expand the center’s activities, enabling Russian youth to join Belarusian students in patriotic education programs in Brest.
“During discussions on budget, we implement various programs. But first and foremost we need to define our top priorities: historical memory protection and youth organization support. Within these organizations, we can together create conditions for young people to become true citizens of our states and the Union State,” the speaker stressed. He highlighted the immense losses suffered by the Soviet Union, noting that one in three people in Belarus perished. The multinational Soviet people made great sacrifices, enabling Europe and other nations to develop.
"We do not accept the distortion of history, rewriting or diminishing facts. We will do our utmost to protect the memory of our grandfathers and great-grandfathers. It is unacceptable to desecrate graves or vandalize monuments dedicated to our soldiers and officers. Our duty is to protect the truth about World War II and the Great Patriotic War, passing it down through generations," Vyacheslav Volodin stated.
The deputies of the Parliamentary Assembly are reviewing the implementation of instructions given by the heads of state during the Union State international patriotic forum “Great Heritage – Common Future” held in Volgograd, Russia in April 2025. The decision has been reached to make the forum a regular event. Additionally, the creation of a Parliamentary Assembly Commission on Historical Memory Protection has been approved, with plans to engage leading experts and historians. The session also included a statement on defending historical truth and preserving the memory of the Great Patriotic War. The session is also discussing matters related to budget.
Participating in the session are representatives from the Permanent Committee of the Union State, ministries and agencies of Belarus and Russia, the Brest Oblast Executive Committee, and the Brest Oblast Council of Deputies.
Photo by Violetta Yuzhakova
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