In 2025, the international community celebrates the 80th anniversary of Victory in World War II—an event that not only changed the course of history but also became a symbol of the triumph of peace over war, justice over oppression. This anniversary takes on special significance in the context of modern geopolitical challenges, emphasizing the need to preserve historical memory and unity in confronting the threats of fascism and extremism.
In the United Kingdom, the celebrations began on May 5 and included a military parade with more than 1,300 servicemen, as well as an air show featuring the Red Arrows aerobatic team. King Charles III took part in the ceremonies, stressing the importance of remembering the victims of the war and the need to maintain peace.
In Russia, a large-scale parade was held on May 9 on Red Square, with more than 11,500 servicemen and 183 pieces of military equipment, including modern weapons and historical T-34 tanks. Leaders of 29 foreign states, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Lula da Silva, attended the parade, underscoring international recognition of the Soviet Union’s contribution to the victory over Nazism.
In the United States, despite political changes, the memory of victory over fascism remains an important part of national consciousness. Former President Joe Biden, who completed his term in January 2025, in his farewell address to the nation on January 15, emphasized the importance of preserving democratic values and warned against the threat of concentrated power and influence in the hands of a narrow group of individuals. He noted that “the soul of America” remains under threat and urged citizens to actively participate in democratic processes.
At the same time, current President Donald Trump issued a proclamation declaring May 8, 2025, as Victory Day in World War II in the United States, emphasizing the significance of the American people’s contribution to the victory over Nazism. He noted that, despite other countries celebrating this day, the United States does not pay it sufficient attention and expressed his intention to change this.
In Kazakhstan, on May 7, a military parade dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory and Defender of the Fatherland Day took place in Astana. Dozens of parade units marched through the main square of the capital, and hundreds of military vehicles drove by. Veterans of the war and laborers of the home front were present in the stands, highlighting the continuity of generations and respect for the deeds of ancestors.
These events emphasize that despite political differences, the memory of Victory remains a unifying factor for nations, reminding us of the importance of unity in facing modern challenges and threats.
In Germany, commemorative events took place on May 8, including wreath-laying ceremonies and moments of silence. Special attention was paid to the memory of Holocaust victims, particularly in connection with the passing of Margot Friedlander, one of the most well-known survivors who dedicated her life to fighting anti-Semitism and educating people about the Holocaust.
Thus, the 80th anniversary of Victory became not only an occasion to honor the heroes of the past but also a reminder of the importance of unity, peace, and the fight against manifestations of fascism and extremism in the modern world. These events underscored the necessity of preserving historical memory and passing it on to future generations as a guarantee of stability and prosperity.
Historical Context and Decisive Battles
Since the treacherous invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany on September 1, 1939, humanity was plunged into the largest and most destructive conflict in history—World War II. This cataclysm affected millions of lives, reshaped the geopolitical map of the world, and threatened the very existence of states. The Anti-Fascist Coalition, uniting the world’s major powers—the Soviet Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, China, and their allies—became the bastion of resistance against totalitarian aggression and the inhumane ideology of Nazism. It was a time when ideological differences gave way to the necessity of a joint struggle for the future of humanity.
The key milestones on the path to Victory were the grand battles that forever entered history as symbols of resilience and courage. The Battle of Stalingrad, which lasted 200 days and nights, became a real turning point, marking the beginning of a large-scale offensive by the Red Army. This feat of Soviet soldiers was not only a military victory but also a symbol of the unyielding spirit of the peoples of the Soviet Union.
The Battle of Kursk, the largest tank battle in history, finally shattered the myth of the Wehrmacht’s invincibility. The fiery front lines of the battles, stretching for hundreds of kilometers, became the site of unparalleled heroism. For the first time, Hitler’s army suffered a strategic defeat in an open battle, conceding the initiative to the Soviet Union.
The Normandy Operation, known as D-Day, marked the opening of the second front in Europe. On June 6, 1944, Allied forces began landing on the coast of France, marking the beginning of the end of Nazi occupation in Western Europe. The greatness of this operation lay not only in its scale but also in the incredible coordination of Allied efforts, demonstrating unity for the common goal of liberating Europe from fascist tyranny.
These epic events were a testament not only to military might but also to an unshakeable belief in justice, freedom, and the right of nations to peaceful existence. They showed the world that only unity and solidarity can withstand the most monstrous aggression, defending the values that underpin civilized society. Victory in this war is not just a historical date; it is a reminder of the price paid for peace and freedom.
Eighty years later, the world once again pays tribute to those who defended the right to life and liberty, making the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of future generations.
The Contribution of Nations and the Heroism of the Front and Home Front
In 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, Kazakhstan proudly remembers its significant contribution to the common cause of defeating fascism. From the very first days of the war, the republic became an integral part of the front and home front, mobilizing all its resources to fight the aggressor.
Kazakhstan made a substantial contribution to the victory over Nazi Germany during the Great Patriotic War. Nearly two million Kazakhstani soldiers fought in the ranks of the Red Army, more than 125,000 of whom did not return from the battlefield. In Kazakhstan, 12 rifle divisions, 4 cavalry divisions, 7 rifle brigades, and about 50 separate regiments and battalions were formed.
Kazakhstanis participated in the heroic defense of the Brest Fortress. Among them were Kuzma Semenchenko, the first Kazakh Hero of the Soviet Union, Rashid Khabibulin, Kozhiken Bayzhigitov, and others. In the Battle of Moscow, the legendary 8th Guards Panfilov Division, formed in Almaty, stopped the Nazis’ advance near Dubosekovo, inspiring soldiers with the words of political commissar V. Klochkov: “Russia is vast, but there is nowhere to retreat—behind us is Moscow!”
A third of Kazakhstan’s formations fought near Leningrad, and the national poet Zhambyl Zhabayev supported the spirit of the Leningrad residents with his poem “Leningraders, My Children! Leningraders, My Pride!”, which became a symbol of resilience during the blockade.
Kazakh divisions and battalions participated in the battles of Stalingrad, Kursk, the liberation of Ukraine, Belarus, the Baltics, Moldova, Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Vienna, and Berlin. Among the first to raise the Victory Banner over the Reichstag was Lieutenant Rakhimzhan Koshkarbayev. Ninety-six Kazakhstanis became Heroes of the Soviet Union, and almost 97,000 were awarded orders and medals. Among them, Manshuk Mametova and Aliya Moldagulova stand out as symbols of women’s heroism.
Kazakhstan’s contribution was not limited to the battlefield. The republic became a powerful industrial base for the front: 460 factories and plants were built, including enterprises evacuated from Ukraine. Kazakhstan produced military equipment, metal products, and supplied food to the front. More than 700,000 Kazakhstanis worked in the special construction army.
Through the efforts of young people and students, funds were raised in the republic for tank columns “Komsomolets of Kazakhstan,” “Pioneer of Kazakhstan,” and the air squadron “Komsomolets of Kazakhstan.” The contribution to the creation of military equipment amounted to 480 million rubles. The fighting spirit of soldiers was supported by artistic brigades, which gave more than 1,200 concerts at the front.
The heroism and selflessness of Kazakhstanis, their contribution to the Great Victory, will forever remain in history as a symbol of courage, resilience, and unconditional love for the Motherland.
In honor of the 80th anniversary of Victory, large-scale events were organized in Kazakhstan: military parades, festive fireworks, and ceremonies for awarding commemorative medals to veterans. Veterans of the Great Patriotic War and other categories of citizens who contributed to the Victory were provided with one-time financial assistance.
Thus, Kazakhstan not only made a significant contribution to Victory during the war years but also continues to preserve the memory of its heroic past, passing it on to future generations.
The Path to Peace and the Creation of the United Nations
The victory in World War II was not only a triumph over fascism but also a pivotal moment in rethinking the architecture of international relations. Massive destruction, unprecedented humanitarian losses, and an extraordinary level of aggression demanded that the global community create mechanisms to prevent such tragedies from recurring in the future. It was in this wave of striving for global security and peace that the United Nations (UN) was founded in 1945.
The mission of the UN was clearly defined from the very beginning: maintaining international peace and security, fostering friendly relations among nations, cooperating in solving international problems, and promoting respect for human rights. The founding conference in San Francisco, attended by delegates from 50 countries, marked a historic step towards building a new world order based on principles of collective security and multilateral cooperation. The signing of the UN Charter symbolized the birth of a new era of diplomacy, where priority was given not to confrontation but to dialogue and consensus.
At the core of this structure lay the principle of equality of all nations, regardless of their military or economic power. This was a revolutionary step in international politics: for the first time in human history, the creation of a global mechanism for preventing wars became not just a declaration but a real institutional foundation. The UN Security Council, as the central body for maintaining peace, was endowed with exclusive powers to prevent and resolve conflicts. The victorious nations of World War II — the Soviet Union, the United States, China, the United Kingdom, and France — received the status of permanent members of the Council with the right to veto, reflecting their decisive role in the outcome of the war and the formation of the new world order.
The international cooperation born from the fight against Nazism became the foundation for building a stable and secure world. This cooperation paved the way for the formation of an entire system of international organizations: the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), which contributed to the restoration of the global economy and the strengthening of stability. Subsequently, this model of global interaction served as the basis for the formation of regional associations such as the European Union, ASEAN, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
The creation of the UN became a symbol of unity among nations in their pursuit of lasting peace and stability. Despite all the challenges and criticism, the organization remains the central platform for international dialogue, conflict resolution, and the promotion of global initiatives in sustainable development, human rights protection, and combating climate change. Today, 80 years later, the lessons of the war and the principles enshrined in the UN Charter remain more relevant than ever, reminding us of the value of multilateral cooperation and the need to protect peace from new global threats.
Remembrance of Victory and Commemorative Events in Kazakhstan
In 2025, Kazakhstan commemorated the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War on a grand scale, emphasizing its historical role and the continuity of generations. The key event was the military parade held in Astana on May 7 — the first since 2019 — with the participation of over 4,000 military personnel, more than 200 units of equipment, and 66 aircraft. The parade showcased both historical legacy and the modern capabilities of the country’s Armed Forces.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, speaking at the parade, noted: “Today we honor not only the feats of our ancestors but also the generation of defenders standing guard over our independence.” He emphasized that Victory Day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of maintaining peace and strengthening friendship among nations.
Festive events took place across the entire country: in Astana, a fireworks display was held on May 9; in Almaty, an exhibition titled “History of Victory: Every Photo is Someone’s Fate” was opened, dedicated to veterans and home-front workers. In addition, the National Bank of Kazakhstan issued a commemorative 1,000 tenge banknote in honor of the 80th anniversary of Victory.
These events not only pay tribute to the past but also serve as a reminder of the value of peace and the need to preserve it for future generations.
International Cooperation for Peace
The memory of the Victory in World War II remains not only a tribute to the heroes of the past but also an important reminder of the need to maintain peace and security in today’s world. In this context, Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Moscow in May 2025, timed to coincide with the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory, became a significant event, highlighting China’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation and preventing new conflicts.
From May 7 to May 10, 2025, Xi Jinping made a state visit to Russia, during which he participated in commemorative events dedicated to the anniversary of Victory, including the military parade on Red Square. The visit was accompanied by negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which more than 20 agreements were signed covering various areas of cooperation, including global strategic stability, investment protection, and the digital economy.
Xi Jinping’s presence at the parade and his participation in laying flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier symbolized historical memory and the unity of nations in their pursuit of peace. The leaders of China and Russia emphasized the importance of jointly opposing unilateral actions and hegemony, advocating for a multipolar world order based on justice and equality.
This visit also demonstrated the strengthening of the strategic partnership between China and Russia, especially amid rising tensions in international relations. Joint statements by the leaders of the two countries emphasized the importance of preserving the historical truth of World War II and the inadmissibility of its distortion for political purposes.
Thus, Xi Jinping’s participation in the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory in Moscow was not only an act of respect for the memory of the fallen but also an important diplomatic step aimed at strengthening international cooperation and maintaining global stability. This underscores China’s role as a responsible participant in world politics, striving to prevent new conflicts and preserve peace.
The 80th anniversary of the victory in the anti-fascist war is not just a historical milestone but a powerful reminder of the price paid for peace. It is a symbol of the triumph of the human spirit over tyranny, of justice over evil, and of unity over division. The peace achieved in 1945, thanks to the joint efforts of millions of people, remains the foundation of international cooperation and global stability. This Victory became the basis for the formation of a new world order, in which the value of human life, freedom, and the independence of nations were recognized as the highest priorities.
Kazakhstan, being part of this great history, carefully preserves the memory of the feats of its ancestors who gave their lives for freedom and independence. In every family, in every city and village of the country, the memory of the heroes who fought on the front lines and worked on the home front lives on. The Republic honors their names by holding large-scale events, parades, and wreath-laying ceremonies at memorials. These traditions not only maintain historical memory but also form national identity, instilling patriotism, respect for the older generation, and a commitment to peace in the younger generation.
But the memory of Victory is not just about the past. It is also a clear understanding that peace and stability require constant effort and collective responsibility. Amid modern global challenges — conflicts, economic instability, threats to international security — the spirit of the anti-fascist coalition remains as relevant as ever. It serves as a reminder that only through joint efforts can aggression be resisted, rights and freedoms protected, and peace preserved for future generations.
Engagement on the global stage today is not just about diplomacy; it is a guarantee of preventing conflicts in the future. Kazakhstan, demonstrating its commitment to the ideals of peace and cooperation, actively participates in international initiatives aimed at strengthening stability and mutual trust. In this lies the true legacy of Victory — the ability to unite in the face of challenges, to seek compromises, and to defend the principles of justice and equality.
The memory of Victory is not just a recollection; it is an eternal lesson for all humanity. It is a call for peace, for strengthening dialogue, for resisting aggression and injustice. The events of 1945 will forever remain in people’s hearts as a reminder of the fragility of peace and the fact that its preservation is a daily effort requiring unity and solidarity. Eighty years later, this memory lives on to remind us: peace cannot be taken for granted; it must be protected and defended.
Sources of information:
https://www.bbc.com/russian/articles/c9vg8kpe9y1o
https://nypost.com/2025/05/10/world-news/german-holocaust-survivor-margot-friedlander-dead-at-103
https://astanatimes.com/2025/05/military-parade-in-astana-marks-80th-anniversary-of-great-victory
China Studies Center
