Caracas has hosted a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II

A monument commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II has been officially unveiled in Caracas, Venezuela. The ceremony was attended by senior Venezuelan officials, Russian diplomats, and members of the public.

The Russian Embassy in Caracas confirmed the unveiling took place at the newly named Victory Square in the center of the Venezuelan capital on May 14. The monument, titled '80 Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War over Nazism and Fascism', was created by sculptor Jesus Manuel Suescun. It depicts the Soviet flag being raised over the Reichstag building in Berlin and is surrounded by 12 memorial columns symbolizing major battles of the war.

According to Russian Ambassador Sergey Melik-Bagdasarov, the ceremony marked a moment of "deep symbolic and historical significance." In a statement to RIA Novosti, he said the monument "speaks volumes: of the strong spiritual connection between our peoples, of Venezuela's respect for the feat of the Soviet people, of our common commitment to memory, justice, and the fight against the falsification of history."

Melik-Bagdasarov added that the structure "has become a living symbol of unity, memory and resistance - both then, 80 years ago, and today." He also stated that "Caracas is rightfully becoming the epicenter of the fight against neocolonialism, ideological dictates, and attempts to rewrite history in the region."

"We once again confirm: Russia and Venezuela are shoulder to shoulder, in a single line for truth, for freedom, for a multipolar, just world," he added.

Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, who spoke on behalf of the Venezuelan government during the ceremony, described the structure as "a monument to true history" and "a monument that glorifies the truth of free peoples," reflecting the spirit of "anti-fascist peoples." She added that the history of the victory cannot be erased by "the Hollywood machine," emphasizing the Red Army's role in liberating Europe from fascism.

Construction of the monument is said to have begun in April at the initiative of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Last week he also took part in the May 9 Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, where he attended the annual military parade on Red Square alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Public Works Minister Juan Jose Ramirez described the Caracas monument as "an international reference point against fascism" and a symbol of friendship between Russia and Venezuela. The ceremony concluded with a large-scale drone show above the site.