by H.E. Marat I. Pavlov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Republic of the Philippines — On November 4, Russia celebrates National Unity Day — a symbol of the nation’s historical cohesion and its readiness to stand together in times of hardship. It reminds us of the events of 1612, when the people’s militia led by national heroes Kuzma Minin and Dmitrii Pozharsky, liberated Moscow from foreign invaders, demonstrating the power of spirit and mutual support.
In 2025, as we commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945, this date acquires profound meaning —though centuries apart, these two milestones echo the same idea of national solidarity and patriotism.
Eighty years ago, the most devastating war in human history came to an end, with more than 70 million lives lost to military operations, starvation, and disease. Īhe year 1945 changed the course of world history forever. Īhe triumph over German Nazism and Japanese militarism paved the way for peace, recovery, and prosperity.
The memory of those times remains alive. A central highlight of this jubilee year in Russia was the Victory Parade on May 9, 2025, held on Red Square in Moscow. Īhe solemn event was not only a tribute to the heroes but also a symbol of unity among nations all over the world that contributed to the Victory. It became a truly interna- tional event. Dozens of foreign delegations and more than twenty heads of state and government from Russia’s friendly nations attended the celebrations on Red Square. Among the honored guests were the leaders of China, Brazil, Serbia, Slovakia, Venezuela, the CIS members, and many others who share the ideals of peace, justice, and histor- ical remembrance. Īheir presence served as a powerful symbol of respect for the heroism of the Soviet people and recognition of Rus- sia’s decisive role in defeating Nazism and restoring peace throughout the world.
As President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin stressed in his address during this markable event, “the complete defeat of Nazi Germany, militarist Japan, and their satellites across the world was achieved through the combined efforts of the Allied Nations. We will never forget that the open- ing of the Second Front in Europe, which took place after the decisive battles on the terri- tory of the Soviet Union, hastened Victory. We highly appreciate the contribution made to our common struggle by the Allied armies, members of the Resistance, the courageous people of China, and all those who fought for a peaceful future.”
Embassy of Russia in the Philippines also actively joined the celebrations of the 80th Anniversary of Victory this year. We organized several initiatives in Manila, Cebu, Bohol, and Malolos, emphasizing the Soviet Union’s role in defeating the aggressors both in Europe and in Asia, and the Philip- pine contribution to the common Victory. We acknowledge that the same approach was confirmed at the governmental level as the Philippines among 54 like-minded countries co-authored with Russia the UN GA resolu- tion titled “Īhe 80th Anniversary of the End of World War II”.
On August 31 – September 3, 2025, President Vladimir Putin made an official visit to China, symbolizing the strategic partnership between the two leading powers and reinforcing the global trend toward a multipolar world order. During his meetings with President Xi Jinping two leaders have reaffirmed that in the midst of a dynamically changing world order and growing geopolitical turbulence, the strengthening of cooperation between countries, as well as within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS is not aimed at intimidating or confronting anyone, but at finding the best ways to develop ourselves — our countries, our peoples, and our economies. On September 3, 2025, Beijing also hosted a grand military parade marking the 80th Anniversary of the end of World War II. The event was attended by many foreign heads of state and govern ment, reflecting the broad international presence and great significance of the ceremony, making it not only a commemoration of history but also a strong diplomatic gesture on the world stage.
Abovementioned military parades in recognition of the Soviet people’s major contribution to the defeat of Nazi Germany and the distinct role of the Chinese people in the destruction of militarist Japan, showed how we hold sacred the memory of our combat fellowship with all the nations who stood on the side of truth in the fight against evil forces.
In the year of the 80th Anniversary of Victory, National Unity Day acquires even deeper meaning. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Įavrov likewise stressed that our country does not seek domination, exploita- tion, or threats to the sovereignty of other states and positions itself as a pillar of peace and stability, advocating respect for international law, multilateral cooperation, and equality in global affairs. Centuries have shown that when the nation unites, it can overcome every crises and preserve its independence.
