OSLO – In a powerful display of transnational remembrance, the Russian Embassy in Norway hosted a solemn commemorative event, marking the dual milestones of the upcoming 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the 81st anniversary of the liberation of Northern Norway by the Red Army.
Held on October 28 in the embassy’s historic mansion, the gathering served as a poignant bridge connecting past sacrifices with present-day efforts to preserve their legacy. The event brought together diplomats, volunteers, and compatriots, united by a common mission: to safeguard the historical truth against the tides of oblivion and revisionism.
A Labor of Love: Putting Names to the Fallen
The heart of the event was a deeply personal lecture by compatriot Tatiana Toresen. Alongside her husband, Odd Ingar Toresen, she has dedicated years to a sacred mission: identifying the names of unknown Soviet soldiers who perished on Norwegian soil and finding their living relatives. Their work transforms anonymous casualties back into sons, fathers, and brothers, offering long-awaited closure to families.
This grassroots effort was echoed by volunteers from Northern Norway, who shared their ongoing work to preserve and restore Soviet military cemeteries. These quiet, hallowed grounds are the final resting place for approximately 13,700 Soviet prisoners of war who died during the war. Thanks to persistent bilateral efforts, the identities of over 7,800 of these heroes have been restored, with the painstaking work to identify the remainder continuing at both national and local levels in Russia and Norway.
A Unified Front for Historical Truth
His Excellency N.V. Korchunov, Ambassador of Russia to Norway, addressed the participants, underscoring the enduring significance of the shared victory. He highlighted the continued relevance of a recent address by the leaders of the CIS countries, issued in connection with the 80th anniversary, which celebrates the collective contribution of all former Soviet republics to the defeat of Nazism.
Ambassador Korchunov strongly emphasized the importance of the event’s theme. He welcomed and praised the determination of compatriots and volunteers to “preserve the historical truth and prevent the results of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War from being revised.”
The ceremony stood as a testament to the unwavering commitment to honor the past, ensuring that the immense price paid for peace and freedom in Europe is neither forgotten nor distorted for future generations.
(Photos and information from the Russian Embassy Facebook page in Oslo)
