The partisans and underground fighters of Belarus, Russia, and Latvia wrote an unforgettable page in the history of the war – Nikolai Sherstnev

The joint struggle for independence by partisans and underground fighters of Belarus, Russia, and Latvia is an unforgettable page in the history of the Great Patriotic War. This was stated by the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, Nikolai Sherstnev, at a meeting of veterans from Belarus, Russia, and Latvia at the Mound of Friendship in the Verkhnedvinsk district.

As the host, Nikolai Sherstnev, on behalf of the residents of the Vitebsk region, warmly welcomed all participants of the 57th meeting. "We have arrived here with a special emotional mood. Tomorrow, July 3, Belarus celebrates the 72nd anniversary of its liberation from the Nazi invaders. This date allows us to once again appreciate the greatness of the feat of those who defended the freedom and independence of the Fatherland. The joint struggle of partisans and underground fighters of our three countries is an unforgettable page in the history of the Great Patriotic War," said Nikolai Sherstnev. He noted that the partisan movement in the Verkhnedvinsk and Sebezh lands was extremely active. By June 1944, 144 brigades and 80 separate detachments of people's avengers were operating on Belarusian territory alone.

"The war behind enemy lines was ruthless and bloody. The occupiers responded to organized resistance with fierce cruelty. The pain of the Osvia tragedy, which claimed thousands of civilian lives, lives on in the memory of the residents of Vitebsk region. And today, we bow our heads to the suffering and heroism of those who did not live to see this day – who perished for the sake of Victory or died in the post-war years," added the head of the region.

Nikolai Sherstnev also mentioned an important event that took place in Belarus in June – the All-Belarusian People's Assembly. "Many noted that it opened precisely on June 22, the Day of National Remembrance of the Victims of the Great Patriotic War. As the President emphasized, the date was not chosen by chance. Because it is not only tragic but also symbolic, and most importantly, instructive. Belarusians well remember the lessons of the past war, the main one being that great misfortune can only be overcome together. A peaceful, free homeland is the best monument to those who

who died for it on the battlefields. This is the immortality of the people's feat," the governor said. He stressed that Belarusians are a peace-loving people who advocate for the further construction of the Union State, the development of relations within the EAEU, and cooperation with the Baltic countries - EU members on equal mutually beneficial terms, with respect for the sovereignty and independence of partner states.

"This aspiration is confirmed by examples of cooperation between a number of work collectives in the Vitebsk and Pskov regions, between which close multifaceted ties exist. It is also gratifying that business and cultural contacts with Latvia open up new opportunities for joint actions," noted Nikolai Sherstnev. The Vitebsk region is part of the Euroregion "Lake Land", which unites 21 border districts of Belarus, Latvia, and Lithuania, allowing the region to participate in the European programs "Baltic Sea Region", "Lithuania-Latvia-Belarus". All this serves to strengthen relations of friendship and good neighborliness. "May peace on earth be affirmed by the goodwill of people - and this will be the best monument to our common Great Victory!" Nikolai Sherstnev concluded.

Alena Tikhonova - BELTA.

Photo by "Vitebskie vesti".