On 6 May, the Russian House in Brussels hosted an international round table dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. The event focused on the heroic and united struggle of the peoples of Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and the Soviet Union against Nazism, as well as on the challenges of preserving historical memory in the 21st century.
The event brought together prominent historians, researchers, local historians, representatives of academic institutions, and descendants of members of the anti-fascist movement. The discussion centred on both well-known and lesser-studied chapters of the Resistance in Western Europe, in which Soviet citizens and Russian émigrés played an active role.
A key feature of the round table was the presentation of the photo-documentary exhibition Our Compatriots in the Belgian Resistance, created by the Russian House in Brussels in cooperation with Professor Vladimir Ronin to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory.
The exhibition comprises 12 panels, each highlighting outstanding individuals from the anti-fascist underground and partisan struggle in Belgium, many of whom were of Russian or Soviet origin. The exhibition generated significant interest among participants and served as a powerful visual accompaniment to the academic presentations and personal testimonies.
The discussion was lively and constructive, offering new perspectives for research and intercultural dialogue. Particular attention was given to preserving memory through family stories, regional archives, and burial sites.
The organisers emphasised the importance of such events in fostering a responsible approach to the past, strengthening humanitarian ties, and safeguarding historical truth and respect for the legacy of those who fought for freedom.
Speakers at the round table:
