Shavkat Mirziyoyev Attends Moscow Events Marking 80th Anniversary of Victory in World War II
Moscow, The Gulf Observer: At the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated in the commemorative events marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in World War II, held in Moscow.
The solemn Victory Parade took place in Red Square, with the attendance of several world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, among others.
The historic victory in World War II, achieved through the courage, fortitude, and immense sacrifice of millions, was a joint triumph of many nations, including the people of Uzbekistan. At the time of the war’s outbreak, Uzbekistan had a population of just over six million. Nearly two million citizens were mobilized to the frontlines. Of these, over 538,000 laid down their lives on the battlefield, and more than 158,000 went missing in action.
The valor of Uzbek soldiers was widely recognized, with over 214,000 being awarded state orders and medals for their service. The prestigious title of Hero of the Soviet Union was conferred on 301 Uzbeks, and 70 more became full recipients of the Order of Glory.
Uzbekistan’s contributions to the war effort extended beyond the battlefield. The republic played a vital role in supporting the front by supplying essential goods and resources, including food, uniforms, weapons, and medicine. Over 170 defense enterprises were relocated to Uzbekistan during the war, ensuring uninterrupted production. The Uzbek people also demonstrated exceptional solidarity and compassion, sheltering more than 1.5 million evacuees, including over 250,000 orphaned children.
The international community continues to acknowledge the heroic contributions of the Uzbek people during the war years. In Uzbekistan today, extensive efforts are made to honor the memory of those who served on the front and on the home front. Special emphasis is placed on supporting veterans and preserving the legacy of their sacrifice. One such initiative is the establishment of Victory Park in Tashkent, a grand memorial complex dedicated to national remembrance.
Following the parade, President Mirziyoyev joined President Putin and other dignitaries in a flower-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Alexander Garden — a symbolic tribute to the millions of fallen soldiers, including many from Uzbekistan, who gave their lives for peace and freedom.
The ceremony concluded with a minute of silence, followed by a solemn march by the guard of honor and military orchestra, marking a poignant close to the day’s commemorative events.
