Cyprus News Agency

In his message to guests at the opening of the exhibition "No Right to Forget. On the 80th Anniversary of the Great Victory," Putin said: "Today we see how destructive the falsification of historical truths can be. Therefore, we must firmly defend the truth about the decisive contribution of our fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers to the Great Victory, and repel those who today seek to justify the crimes of occupiers and murderers by reviving ideologies of national superiority and privilege."

Putin drew attention to the dark page of World War II linked to the crimes committed by the Nazis and their accomplices against civilians. "Millions of innocent people became victims of the punishers — people of all ages, professions, and nationalities — shot, brutally tortured in concentration camps, died of hunger, disease, blockade, and mass deportations," he reminded.

The Russian President described the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War as "a great and important date for people around the world," and noted that major public initiatives and educational, enlightenment, and creative projects are dedicated to this anniversary.

"In such a rich anniversary program, this large-scale exhibition undoubtedly holds a special place. The authentic archival documents, museum exhibits, photographs, and newsreels presented here have enormous scientific, spiritual, and educational value. They reveal new evidence of the military history of the Fatherland and tell the story of our people's immortal feats in their struggle for freedom, independence, and the right to exist," Putin said.