Victory Day tribute: Azerbaijan's first couple honour fallen soldiers who defeated fascism PHOTO / UPDATED

May 9 marks the 80th anniversary of the historic Victory over fascism, a moment of profound significance for the Azerbaijani people and the world.

On this solemn occasion, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Victorious Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, accompanied by First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, visited the grave of Major General of Tank Troops Hazi Aslanov, a distinguished figure who was twice awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, Caliber.Az reports, citing domestic media. 

The President and the First Lady placed flowers at his statue, paying tribute to his memory and honoring the sacrifice of all Azerbaijanis who lost their lives during the Second World War.

The Azerbaijani people made an invaluable contribution to the Victory over fascism. During the war, 600,000 sons and daughters of Azerbaijan were sent to the front line. More than 300,000 of them perished heroically in battle. Over 130 Azerbaijani servicemen were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for their courage and heroism, while more than 170,000 soldiers and officers were honoured with various military orders and medals.

Azerbaijani divisions traced a path of glory from the Caucasus to Berlin. Many Azerbaijani citizens also participated in partisan and guerrilla movements throughout Europe. One of the most vital contributions to the war effort came from Azerbaijan’s oil industry. Baku was a key strategic resource for the Soviet Union, supplying 90 per cent of its engine oil, 80 per cent of its gasoline, and 70 per cent of its overall oil needs. Azerbaijani oil was indispensable to ensuring the Soviet army's success on the battlefield.

The heroism and sacrifice of Azerbaijani sons and daughters have always been treated with deep reverence. National Leader Heydar Aliyev paid particular attention to war veterans, frequently referring to them as “the golden fund of our people.” This tradition of respect and support continues under President Ilham Aliyev, who remains committed to improving the welfare of veterans. On the occasion of Victory Day, May 9, veterans of the 1941–1945 war have received increased support.

According to an Order signed by President Ilham Aliyev on April 21, 2025, each war veteran from 1941–1945 received 2,500 ($1470) manats in one-time financial assistance. Widows of servicemen who died during or after the war, those who contributed tirelessly to the wartime effort on the home front, members of special units who served the army and navy within operational zones, and those awarded medals or badges for the defense of Leningrad — including individuals who participated in the city's defense during the siege — received financial support of 1,250 manats ($735). These measures reaffirm the state's continued attention to and respect for its war veterans, marking this care as a key priority of Azerbaijani state policy.

This year’s Victory Day is also marked by a deepened sense of national pride. For the fifth year in a row, the Azerbaijani people celebrate the 1941–1945 Victory in the wake of the triumph in the 44-day Patriotic War. Under the leadership of President and Victorious Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has restored its territorial integrity and sovereignty within internationally recognised borders. The justice sought for three decades has finally been achieved.

The memory of all Azerbaijani heroes — those who fell in the fight against fascism and those who died defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of modern Azerbaijan — will forever live in the hearts of the nation.