President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik met with young people at the National Centre RUSSIA
The meeting between President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik and Russian schoolchildren and students took place on May 8 at the National Centre RUSSIA as part of the statesman’s visit to Moscow for the Victory Day Parade. The event was organised by the Russian society Znanie. Milorad Dodik spoke about the significance of Victory Day in world history, discussed Russia–Serbia relations with the students, and shared his views on the prospects of a multipolar world.
Republika Srpska remains one of the few European regions where Victory Day over fascism is widely celebrated on May 9 and the memory of war heroes is preserved. Speaking to the youth, Milorad Dodik noted that it was personally very important for him to be in Moscow on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Victory, to share with the people of Russia both the joy and sorrow associated with this event.
The head of Republika Srpska spoke about the contribution of his compatriots to the Victory over Nazi Germany and about the impact of the Second World War on the national identity of the Serbian people. Milorad Dodik also elaborated on the events of modern history and explained the tragedy caused by the destruction of the Yugoslav state and the fragmentation of the Serbian ethnic space. He stressed that the rehabilitation of fascism today poses a global threat, which must be opposed collectively — including through the formation of a culture of remembrance of the Great Patriotic War and the preservation of historical truth.
"On Victory Day in Republika Srpska, we lay wreaths and flowers at memorials, we visit mass graves. When the Immortal Regiment campaign appeared in Russia, our people joined it too, and since then people have gathered every year with portraits of relatives who suffered under fascism. Commemorative lessons are held in schools. Fascism is a great evil that affected both Russia and Serbia, and although the number of Serbs is smaller in percentage terms, the suffering was the same — in this we are alike," said Milorad Dodik.
The statesman placed particular emphasis on the partnership between Republika Srpska and Russia in today’s realities, as well as on the importance of economic and intercultural cooperation, since there is much that unites the Serbian and Russian peoples.
"Today, Russia is a true friend we can rely on, and we greatly value this friendship. Fortunately for us, President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin treats the problems of the Serbian people with deep understanding. He has made Russia strong and defends its rights on the international stage. At the same time, he never forgets about our friendship — and that is what sustains us," emphasized Milorad Dodik.
The events of the Russian society Znanie provide a platform for dialogue between young people and prominent public figures — and the meeting with the President of Republika Srpska was no exception. The participants asked questions that genuinely concerned them, and the discussion was moderated by Olga Skabeyeva, anchor of the Russia-1 TV channel. Milorad Dodik shared his vision of the future of Europe and the world, explained how Republika Srpska manages to pursue an independent policy and withstand immense pressure from the "collective West." He expressed confidence that Russophobia would be defeated and the world would become multipolar thanks to Russia’s efforts.
Milorad Dodik addressed Russian schoolchildren and students, encouraging them to be strong in defending the interests of their country and their people.
"The Soviet Union lost over 27 million lives in the Great Patriotic War to defeat fascism, and it is important for your generation to remember — not occasionally recall — this. Always remember, and pass this memory on to future generations. You are part of the great Russian nation, and you must remain loyal to your country. What you must understand is this: Russia is vast and strong — and it must become even stronger. If there is no country, it becomes easy to destroy its people, and you must never allow that to happen. Come visit us in Republika Srpska — I believe you will see how much we have in common," Milorad Dodik urged young people.
The lecture "Come and See: The Feat of Newsreel Cameramen during the Great Patriotic War" took place as part of the "Thursday. Development".
The centre has become the first, unique, and multifunctional exhibition venue in Belarus, operated by the National Exhibition Centre "BelExpo."
On May 8, the audience at the National Centre RUSSIA enjoyed a performance by a combined children's wind orchestra, which launched the festive concert programme.
