Two victories over fascism Azerbaijan has always stood for justice

May 9th is a day that holds a special place in world history. It is Victory Day over fascism. Today, as we remember the heroism of the millions of people who gave their lives for peace and freedom, we must not only honour the memory of the fallen but also consciously defend historical truth from distortion.

Azerbaijan's contribution: Figures and facts

Azerbaijan played a key role in the victory over Nazi Germany and its allies. This is not just about the more than 600,000 Azerbaijanis who fought on the fronts of World War II, but also about the strategic and economic contribution of the republic.

Baku oil became the fuel for Victory: it supplied up to 80% of the Soviet Army's needs for fuel and lubricants. Without the oil from Azerbaijan, it would have been impossible to halt the Nazi machine near Moscow, Stalingrad, at the Kursk Bulge, and to reach Berlin.

A special mention deserves the heroism of Mehdi Huseynzade (alias Mikhailo) — a legendary partisan who operated in Yugoslavia and Italy. A brilliant scout, he organised dozens of successful operations against the fascists. In 1944, Mehdi died by detonating a grenade to avoid capture. He was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.

Ziba Ganiyeva was one of the Azerbaijani women who participated in combat operations. As a sniper, she eliminated more than 20 enemy soldiers. After being wounded, she continued her service in a hospital, providing assistance to the wounded.

Hazi Aslanov — twice Hero of the Soviet Union. Throughout his service, the legendary Azerbaijani and Soviet commander was awarded the Order of Lenin, three Orders of the Red Banner, the Orders of Suvorov II Class, Alexander Nevsky, the Patriotic War I Class, two Orders of the Red Star, and numerous medals.

From October 1942, he commanded the 55th Separate Tank Regiment (4th Mechanised Corps), which was formed from the remnants of the 55th Tank Brigade, which had suffered heavy losses in defensive battles near Stalingrad. In December 1942, the 55th Tank Regiment faced the advanced units of Army Group Don, led by Erich von Manstein (one of the most experienced military commanders of the Wehrmacht), who attempted to break through to the surrounded 6th Army of Friedrich Paulus.

On October 11, 2019, at the meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the CIS in Moscow, President Ilham Aliyev highlighted Azerbaijan's significant contribution to the Victory: “Azerbaijan has made a worthy contribution to our common victory over fascism. More than 600,000 sons and daughters of Azerbaijan fought on the fronts of World War II and half of them lost their lives for our common victory [...] Azerbaijan provided the whole country with fuel. Azerbaijan accounted for more than 70 percent of oil, 80 percent of gasoline and 90 percent of motor oils so necessary for the front. Without this, the Soviet army could not have defeated the enemy.”

Indeed, Baku oil became one of the key factors in the victory over fascism. According to British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, it was the foundation of the Soviet Union's military efforts, allowing it to continue the fight against Nazism.

Marshal of the Soviet Union Alexander Vasilevsky emphasised that the timely supply of Baku fuel played a decisive role in the success of the Battle of Stalingrad.

Army General Alexander Antonov referred to Baku oil as a strategic resource of paramount importance, emphasising its exceptional value for the front.

These words can be confirmed by figures: from 1941 to 1945, around 75 million tons of oil were extracted in the Azerbaijan SSR — approximately 550 million barrels. The average price of a barrel of oil during those years was between $1.00 and $1.20. Therefore, the volume of oil supplied to the front is estimated at 605 million dollars (at the time's prices), which, when adjusted for modern values, amounts to tens of billions of dollars.

Historical parallels

Unfortunately, in recent years, there has been a disturbing trend of rehabilitating and glorifying Nazi collaborators in several countries. One of the most egregious examples is the installation of a monument to Garegin Nzhdeh in the centre of Yerevan.

This man not only collaborated with the Nazis but also actively promoted fascist ideology. Nzhdeh was convicted as a war criminal. His glorification in Armenia is a challenge to the entire anti-fascist coalition, including the memory of fallen Azerbaijanis, Armenians, and Russians who fought side by side against the Third Reich. Attempts to present traitors and Nazi collaborators as heroes are dangerous not only in terms of distorting historical truth but also as a factor of political radicalization. This is not just immoral — it contradicts the spirit and lessons of World War II.

Despite calls from Baku and Moscow to stop the glorification of Nazism, Yerevan chose to remain deaf to them. The elevation of Nzhdeh became a catalyst for the rise of nationalist sentiments in Armenia. It is no surprise that "Nzhdehism" became the ideological platform of the Republican Party of Armenia, led by the former Karabakh separatist and later the third President of Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan.

This is the ideology and its proponents that Azerbaijan had to face. The country was forced to defend justice and liberate its territory from those inspired by the views of a Nazi collaborator. Thus, Azerbaijan’s victory in the Patriotic War became even more valuable and significant. In the autumn of 2020, Azerbaijan achieved a historic victory in the 44-day Patriotic War, freeing the occupied territories that had been under Armenian control for over a quarter of a century. This Victory is a logical continuation of the spirit of resistance, courage, and selflessness demonstrated during World War II. The modern Azerbaijani Armed Forces, supported by the society, acted fully in accordance with international law and restored the territorial integrity of the country.

In his address to the people following the liberation of the Aghdam district from occupation, President Aliyev clearly emphasised:

"I repeat: we have not only restored our territorial integrity, we have also broken the back of Armenian fascism. We have saved the region from Armenian fascism, we have saved the world from Armenian fascism."

Today, in Shusha, Aghdam, Fuzuli, and other liberated cities, the Azerbaijani flag is flying. Roads, schools, and hospitals are being built — life is returning. This is a living Victory, proof that the struggle for justice, even if it lasts for decades, bears fruit.

The memory of World War II in Azerbaijan is not just a historical fact, but a moral compass. Azerbaijan sets an example of a responsible attitude toward the past: it honours its heroes, defends historical truth, resists the glorification of fascism, restores justice, and builds its future based on international law.

As a reminder, on April 21, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree "On the provision of one-time financial assistance to participants of the Second World War of 1941-1945, widows of deceased or later deceased soldiers, individuals awarded orders and medals for selfless work in the rear." According to the document, participants of the Second World War of 1941-1945 will receive a one-time financial assistance of 2,500 manat ($1,470). Widows of soldiers who died in World War II or passed away afterward, individuals awarded orders and medals for selfless work in the rear during that period, workers of special formations who performed tasks in the interests of the army and navy in the rear of the fighting fronts or in the operational zones of the fighting fleets, individuals awarded the relevant medal and badge for the defense of Leningrad during the Second World War, as well as participants of the Leningrad blockade, will receive 1,250 manat ($735).

To implement this decree, a total of 3.2 million manat ($1.9 million) will be allocated from the reserve fund of the president's budget for 2025 to the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population. The presidential decree, timed to the 80th anniversary of the victory over fascism, will benefit 2,469 veterans and workers of the rear from World War II.