In 2025, the global community will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the 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 and justice over oppression. This anniversary takes on special significance in the context of current geopolitical challenges, emphasizing the importance of preserving historical memory and unity in the face of the threats posed by fascism and extremism.
In the United Kingdom, celebrations began on 5 May and included a military parade with over 1,300 troops, and an air show featuring the Red Arrows aerobatic team. King Charles III took part in the ceremonies, emphasising the importance of remembering the war dead and the need to maintain peace.[i]
In Russia, a large-scale parade was held on Red Square on May 9, with more than 11,500 military personnel and 183 pieces of military equipment participating, including modern weapons and historical T-34 tanks. The parade was attended by leaders of 29 foreign countries, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Lula da Silva, highlighting the international recognition of the Soviet Union’s contribution to the victory over Nazism.
In the USA, despite political changes, the memory of the victory over fascism remains an important part of the national identity. Former President Joe Biden, who ended his term in January 2025, emphasized the importance of preserving democratic values in his farewell address to the nation on January 15. He warned against the threat of power and influence being concentrated in the hands of a small group of individuals, stating that the “soul of America” remains at risk and calling on citizens to actively participate in democratic processes. At the same time, the current President, Donald Trump, issued a proclamation declaring May 8, 2025, as Victory in World War II Day in the United States, emphasizing the significance of the American people’s contribution to the defeat of Nazism. He noted that while other countries celebrate this day, the United States does not give it the attention it deserves, and expressed his intention to change this.
In Kazakhstan, a military parade dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory and Defender of the Fatherland Day was held in Astana on May 7. Dozens of military units marched through the capital’s main square, accompanied by hundreds of military vehicles. The event was attended by war veterans and home front workers, emphasizing the continuity of generations and respect for the heroic deeds of the past. These events highlight that despite political differences, the memory of Victory remains a unifying factor for the nation, reminding us of the importance of unity in facing modern challenges and threats.
In Germany, commemorative events were held on May 8, including the laying of wreaths and minutes of silence. Special attention was paid to the memory of the victims of the Holocaust, particularly in connection with the passing of Margot Friedländer, one of the most famous survivors who dedicated her life to fighting anti-Semitism and educating people about the Holocaust. [ii]
China played a key and often underestimated role in the victory in World War II, having launched armed resistance against the aggressor long before the conflict became global. Already in 1931, after the so-called “Mukden Incident”, the country actually became the first power to embark on the path of struggle against the aggressive plans of Japan. This early confrontation not only opened a new stage in the history of the Chinese national resistance, but also laid the foundations for the subsequent formation of a united anti-fascist front. Faced with Japan’s powerful military machine, China was forced to mobilize significant human and material resources, gradually becoming one of the main strongholds in the fight against the Axis forces in Asia.
The period from 1937 to 1945 was marked by intense and fierce battles that became a symbol of the Chinese people’s heroism and resilience. The Battle of Shanghai in August 1937 was one of the largest battles, where China managed to hold the strategically important city for three months despite the enemy’s technical and technological superiority. The defenders of Wuhan in 1938 demonstrated unparalleled courage, holding the important city for over three months and securing vital access to the central regions of the country. These battles, along with others, including the Second Guangxi Campaign in 1945, where Chinese forces decisively defeated Japanese forces, laid the foundation for Japan’s surrender and solidified China’s position as a victorious nation.
A key aspect of China’s contribution to the overall victory was the strategic diversion of significant Japanese forces, which significantly weakened Tokyo’s ability to expand its aggression to other areas, including the Soviet Far East and Southeast Asia. As a result, China acted as a “eastern shield,” forcing Japan to concentrate significant forces on the Chinese front, which ultimately facilitated the Allied efforts in other theaters of war. According to expert estimates, over 70% of Japan’s ground forces were engaged in China, preventing them from implementing larger-scale aggression plans in the region.
External allies played a significant role in supporting China. The Soviet Union provided extensive military and technical assistance, delivering over a thousand aircraft, tanks, and artillery pieces, as well as sending thousands of military advisers. After the United States entered the war in 1941, China received support through the Lend-Lease program, strengthening its defense capabilities and contributing to the formation of a new strategic balance in East Asia. China’s contribution to the victory over Japan was recognized at the highest international level, which later led to its status as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and became the foundation for the formation of a new world order.
The moral contribution of the Chinese people, who suffered enormous losses, was equally important. According to various estimates, up to 35 million Chinese, including civilians, died during the war. These sacrifices highlight the depth of the national tragedy, but they also demonstrate the resilience and determination of the country to contribute to the liberation of humanity from the fascist threat. China’s heroic actions during World War II have not only historical significance but also contemporary political relevance. They demonstrate the Chinese people’s commitment to peace and justice, their willingness to fight against any form of aggression, and their role as defenders of international order.
Historical context and decisive battles
Since the Nazi invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, humanity has been engulfed in the most massive and devastating conflict in history, the Second World War. This cataclysm has affected millions of lives, reshaped the geopolitical landscape, and threatened the very existence of nations. The anti-fascist coalition, comprising the world’s major powers—the Soviet Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, China, and their allies—has emerged as a bastion of resistance against the totalitarian aggression and inhumane ideology of Nazism. It was a time when ideological differences were overshadowed by the need to work together for the future of humanity.
The key milestones on the road to Victory were grandiose battles that will forever go down in history as symbols of perseverance and courage. The Battle of Stalingrad, which lasted 200 days and nights, was a real turning point, marking the beginning of a large-scale offensive of the Red Army. This feat of Soviet soldiers became not only a military victory, but also a symbol of the unconquered spirit of the peoples of the Soviet Union. The Kursk Bulge, the largest tank battle in history, finally dispelled the myth of the invincibility of the Wehrmacht. The fiery battle lines, stretching for hundreds of kilometers, became a place of unparalleled heroism. For the first time, Hitler’s army suffered a strategic defeat in an open battle, ceding the initiative to the Soviet Union. The Normandy Operation, known as D-Day, marked the opening of a second front in Europe. On June 6, 1944, Allied forces began landing on the coast of France, marking the beginning of the end of the Nazi occupation in Western Europe. The greatness of this operation lay not only in its scale, but also in the incredible coordination of the Allies, who demonstrated 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 unwavering belief in justice, freedom, and the right of nations to live in peace. They showed the world that only unity and solidarity can withstand the most horrific aggression, protecting the values that underpin a civilized world. The victory in this war is not just a historical date; it is a reminder of the sacrifices made to achieve peace and freedom. 80 years later, the world is once again paying tribute to those who fought for their right to live and be free, making the ultimate sacrifice for future generations.
The contribution of the people and the heroism of the front and the rear
In 2025, as we celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, Kazakhstan takes great pride in remembering 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 the rear, mobilizing all its resources to fight the aggressor. Kazakhstan made a significant contribution to the victory over Nazi Germany during the Great Patriotic War. Almost two million Kazakhs fought in the Red Army, and more than 125,000 did not return from the battlefield. In Kazakhstan, 12 rifle and 4 cavalry divisions, 7 rifle brigades, and about 50 separate regiments and battalions were formed. [iii]
Kazakhs participated in the heroic defense of the Brest Fortress. Among them were Kuzma Semenchenko, the first Kazakh Hero of the Soviet Union, Rashid Khabibulin, Kozhyken Bayzhigitov, and others. In the Battle of Moscow, the legendary 8th Guards Panfilov Division, formed in Alma-Ata, stopped the Nazi onslaught at the Dubosekovo railway station, inspiring the soldiers with the words of political officer V. Klochkov: “Russia is great, but there is no retreat — Moscow is behind us!”
A third of Kazakhstan’s military units fought near Leningrad, and the folk poet Zhambyl Zhabayev supported the spirit of the Leningraders with his poem “Leningraders, my children! Leningraders, my pride!”, which became a symbol of resilience during the siege.
Kazakh divisions and battalions took part in the battles for Stalingrad, Kursk, the liberation of Ukraine, Belarus, the Baltic states, Moldova, Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Vienna and Berlin. Among the first to hoist the Victory banner over the Reichstag was Lieutenant Rakhimzhan Koshkarbayev. 96 Kazakhs became Heroes of the Soviet Union, almost 97 thousand were awarded orders and medals. Among them stand out Manshuk Mamatova and Aliya Moldagulova, symbols of female 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 those evacuated from Ukraine. Kazakhstan produced military equipment, metal products, and provided food supplies to the front. More than 700,000 Kazakhs worked in the Special Construction Army. The youth and students in the republic raised funds for the Komsomolets of Kazakhstan, Pioneer of Kazakhstan, and Komsomolets of Kazakhstan air squadron tank columns. The contribution to the creation of military equipment amounted to 480 million rubles. The soldiers’ fighting spirit was supported by artistic brigades, who gave more than 1,200 concerts at the front.
The heroism and selflessness of the Kazakhstani people, and their contribution to the Great Victory, will forever remain in history as a symbol of courage, resilience, and unwavering love for their homeland. In honor of the 80th anniversary of the Victory, Kazakhstan organized large-scale events, including military parades, festive fireworks, and ceremonies where veterans received commemorative medals. Additionally, veterans of the Great Patriotic War and other categories of citizens who contributed to the Victory received one-time financial assistance. Thus, Kazakhstan not only made a significant contribution to the victory during the war, but also continues to preserve the memory of its heroic past, passing it on to future generations.
The road 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 crucial milestone in reshaping the architecture of international relations. The widespread destruction, unprecedented humanitarian losses, and unprecedented levels of aggression required the global community to establish mechanisms to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. It was in this spirit of global security and peace that the United Nations (UN) was founded in 1945.
From the very beginning, the UN’s mission was clearly defined: to maintain international peace and security, foster friendly relations among nations, cooperate in resolving international issues, and promote respect for human rights. The San Francisco Constitutional Conference, attended by delegates from 50 countries, marked a historic step towards establishing a new global order based on collective security and multilateral cooperation. The signing of the UN Charter ushered in a new era of diplomacy, emphasizing dialogue and consensus over confrontation.
This structure was based on the principle of equality of all nations, regardless of their military or economic power. This was a revolutionary step in international politics, as it was the first time in human history that the creation of a global mechanism for preventing wars was not just a declaration, but a real institutional foundation. The UN Security Council, as the central body for maintaining peace, was given exclusive authority to prevent and resolve conflicts. The victorious countries of World War II—the Soviet Union, the United States, China, the United Kingdom, and France—were granted permanent veto-wielding seats on the Security Council, reflecting their crucial role in the outcome of the war and the shaping of the new world order.
International cooperation, born out of the fight against Nazism, has become the foundation for building a stable and secure world. This cooperation has paved the way for the creation of a system of international organizations, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), which have contributed to the recovery of the global economy and the strengthening of stability. This model of global cooperation has also served as the basis for the formation of regional organizations such as the European Union, ASEAN, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
The creation of the United Nations has become a symbol of the unity of nations in their pursuit of lasting peace and stability. Despite facing challenges and criticism, the organization remains a central platform for international dialogue, conflict resolution, and the promotion of global initiatives in the areas of sustainable development, human rights protection, and climate change mitigation. Today, 80 years later, the lessons of war and the principles enshrined in the UN Charter remain more relevant than ever, emphasizing the value of multilateral cooperation and the need to protect the world from new global threats.
Victory Memory and Events in Kazakhstan
In 2025, Kazakhstan celebrated the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War on a large scale, emphasizing its historical role and the continuity of generations. The key event was the military parade in Astana on May 7, the first since 2019, which was attended by over 4,000 military personnel, more than 200 pieces of equipment, and 66 aircraft. The parade showcased both the historical legacy and the modern capabilities of the country’s Armed Forces. [iv]
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, speaking at the parade, noted:: “Today we honor not only the exploits of our ancestors, but also the generation of defenders who stand guard over our independence.” He stressed that Victory Day is a powerful reminder of the importance of maintaining peace and strengthening friendship between peoples. Festive events covered the whole country: a fireworks display was held in Astana on May 9, and an exhibition “Victory Story: Every Photo is someone’s Destiny” dedicated to front — line soldiers and home front workers was opened in Almaty. In addition, the National Bank of Kazakhstan has issued a commemorative banknote of 1,000 tenge dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory. [v] 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
Память о Победе во Второй мировой войне остаётся не только данью уважения героям прошлого, но и важным напоминанием о необходимости поддержания мира и безопасности в современном мире. В этом контексте визит председателя КНР Си Цзиньпина в Москву в мае 2025 года, приуроченный к празднованию 80-летия Победы, стал значимым событием, подчеркнувшим стремление Китая к укреплению международного сотрудничества и предотвращению новых конфликтов.
From May 7 to 10, 2025, Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Russia, during which he participated in the Victory Day celebrations, including a 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 became a symbol of 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.
The visit also demonstrated the strengthening of the strategic partnership between China and Russia, especially in the context of growing tensions in international relations. The joint statements of the leaders of the two countries emphasized the need to preserve the historical truth about World War II and the inadmissibility of distorting it for political purposes.
Thus, Xi Jinping’s participation in the 80th anniversary celebrations 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 highlights China’s role as a responsible player in global 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 also a powerful reminder of the price that was 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 through the collective efforts of millions remains the foundation of international cooperation and global stability. This victory laid the groundwork for a new world order in which the value of human life, freedom, and the independence of nations were recognized as the highest priorities.
China’s contribution to the victory in World War II provides a deeper understanding of the significance of the Asian front on a global scale. It is not just a chronicle of military actions, but an important example of collective resistance, strategic foresight, and humanistic values. By highlighting this role, we not only restore historical justice but also foster a lasting appreciation of collective responsibility for peace and security in the modern world. By recognizing China’s contributions, we reinforce the values of solidarity and mutual support among nations, which remain the cornerstones of a stable international order. Awareness of this role contributes to strengthening trust between countries, expanding humanitarian and cultural exchanges, and developing equal and mutually beneficial cooperation. This understanding forms a solid foundation for jointly addressing global challenges, whether they are related to security, economic instability, or climate change. China’s historical experience inspires the international community to protect peace, uphold principles of justice, and respect the sovereignty of all nations. This is not only an important lesson from the past, but also a strategic guide for building a more harmonious and sustainable future based on mutual understanding, trust, and shared responsibility for the fate of humanity.
Thus, the 80th anniversary of Victory was 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 fascism and extremism in the modern world. These events emphasized the need to preserve historical memory and pass it on to future generations as a guarantee of stability and prosperity. Kazakhstan, as part of this great history, cherishes the memory of its ancestors who gave their lives for freedom and independence. Every family, every city, and every village in the country remembers the heroes who fought on the front lines and worked in the rear. The Republic honors their names through large-scale events, parades, and flower-laying ceremonies at monuments. These traditions not only preserve historical memory, but also shape national identity, instilling in the younger generation a sense of patriotism, respect for elders, and a commitment to peace.
But the memory of Victory is not only about the past. It is also a clear understanding that peace and stability require constant efforts and collective responsibility. In the face of today’s global challenges, such as conflicts, economic instability, and threats to international security, the spirit of the anti-fascist coalition remains more relevant than ever. It serves as a reminder that only through collective efforts can we resist aggression, protect our rights and freedoms, and preserve peace for future generations.
Today, cooperation on the global stage is not just about diplomacy; it is a guarantee of conflict prevention 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. This is the true legacy of Victory: the ability to unite in the face of challenges, seek compromises, and uphold principles of justice and equality.
The memory of Victory is not just a memory, it is an eternal lesson for all of humanity. It is a call to peace, to strengthening dialogue, to countering aggression and injustice. The events of 1945 will forever remain in people’s hearts as a reminder of the fragility of peace and that its preservation is a daily struggle that requires unity and solidarity. 80 years later, this memory lives on to remind us: peace cannot be taken for granted; it must be cherished and protected.
Photo: AkordaPress
China Studies Center
[i] https://www.bbc.com/russian/articles/c9vg8kpe9y1o
[ii] https://nypost.com/2025/05/10/world-news/german-holocaust-survivor-margot-friedlander-dead-at-103
[iii] https://www.samddn.ru/novosti/novosti/nazvanie-etot-den-my-priblizhali-kak-mogli-vklad-kazakhskogo-naroda-v-velikuyu-pobedu
[iv] https://astanatimes.com/2025/05/military-parade-in-astana-marks-80th-anniversary-of-great-victory/
[v]https://www.kt.kz/eng/society/kazakhstan_marks_80th_anniversary_of_victory_in_the_great_1377977632.html
