81st Anniversary: ‘Don’t Rewrite WWII’, Russia Warns of Global Risks as History Disputes Deepen

The Russian Federation has raised fresh concerns over what it describes as increasing attempts to reinterpret the history of the Second World War, warning that such actions could undermine global stability and historical accountability.

Russia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podelyshev, made the remarks in Abuja during a press briefing ahead of the 81st anniversary of Victory Day, commemorated annually on May 9.
He said the occasion remains a defining moment in global history, marking the defeat of Nazi Germany and shaping the post-war international order.

“Victory Day is not only a symbol of the end of the most devastating war in human history, but also a reminder of the responsibility to preserve historical truth,” the ambassador stated.

‘Battle of Narratives’

Podelyshev warned that the legacy of the war is increasingly being contested, describing current global discourse as a “battle of narratives” over the interpretation of historical events.

He alleged that some countries are promoting views that diminish the role of the Soviet Union in defeating Nazi Germany, and in some cases attempt to equate it with the aggressors.
According to him, the legal and historical conclusions reached during the Nuremberg Trials remain the internationally recognised benchmark for assessing responsibility for wartime atrocities.

Criticism of European Actions

The envoy criticised the removal of Soviet-era war memorials in parts of Europe, particularly in Poland and the Baltic states, describing it as a deliberate effort to erase the contributions of Soviet forces.

He also expressed concern over what he called the growing recognition of figures linked to Nazi collaboration in some countries, warning that such actions distort historical memory and dishonour victims.

New Laws on Historical Memory

Podelyshev disclosed that Russia has introduced new legislation aimed at protecting historical truth, including laws recognising atrocities committed on Soviet territory during the war as genocide.

He said the measures also criminalise attempts to justify Nazism or desecrate memorials dedicated to war victims.

“These are not just legal provisions; they are part of a broader responsibility to ensure that history is not manipulated for political purposes,” he said.

Human Cost of the War

Highlighting the scale of the conflict, the ambassador noted that the Soviet Union lost more than 27 million people during the war, including a significant number of civilians.

He argued that the scale and systematic nature of the atrocities justify their classification as genocide under international law, including frameworks developed under the United Nations.

Call for Preservation of Historical Truth
The Russian envoy concluded by urging the international community to resist selective interpretations of history, stressing that the lessons of World War II must remain grounded in verified facts.

He warned that politicising historical memory could erode trust between nations and pose risks to global peace and security.