Envoy: Ukrainian, Azerbaijani peoples understand true cost of just peace

The peoples of Ukraine and Azerbaijan deeply understand the value of a just and lasting peace, the Ukrainian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Yuriy Husyev has said in a piece marking the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory over Nazism.

Gusev paid tribute to all those who fought against Nazism during the Second World War and honoured the memory of those who lost their lives in what he called the most brutal and devastating conflict in human history, Caliber.Az reports.

Ambassador described Victory Day as a significant occasion for both nations, whose families, he said, “know exactly what the price of a fair peace is.”

“This date is especially meaningful for both Ukraine and Azerbaijan,” the ambassador wrote. “Our nations’ families truly understand the cost of a just peace.”

He highlighted the devastating toll the war took on Ukraine, with more than eight million Ukrainian lives lost, including five million civilians and three million soldiers.

Note that, during World War II, Ukraine—then part of the Soviet Union—was a major battleground and a crucial contributor to the Soviet war effort. Over 7 million Ukrainians served in the Red Army, and an estimated 1.5 million perished. Ukraine was the site of intense fighting, particularly during the Nazi occupation from 1941 to 1944, which resulted in widespread devastation and the deaths of millions, including many Jews during the Holocaust.

Ukrainian industry, especially in the east, was relocated or destroyed, but later revived to support wartime production. Partisan resistance, especially in western regions, played a significant role in undermining German operations.

Azerbaijan played a strategic role during World War II primarily through its vast oil resources, which were vital to the Soviet war machine. Baku produced more than 70% of the Soviet Union’s oil output at the time, making it a critical asset.

The city’s oil fields and refineries were targets of German strategic plans, including Operation Edelweiss, which ultimately failed. In addition to the energy supply, around 600,000 Azerbaijanis were mobilised, with nearly half not returning.

Azerbaijani scientists and engineers also contributed to fuel innovations and logistics, further underlining the republic’s essential support to the Allied victory.

By Aghakazim Guliyev