GAGIĆ: SERB-RUSSIAN SOLIDARITY REAFFIRMED THROUGH HISTORY

VIŠEGRAD, APRIL 21 /SRNA/ – The Serb and Russian peoples have always been able to rely on one another throughout history, including during the Homeland-Defense War, Acting President of the Republika Srpska Organization of Veterans /BORS/ Milovan Gagić said at the commemoration of the Day of Russian Volunteers in Višegrad.

Gagić noted that Russian volunteers showed courage even at a time when Russia itself was facing difficulties, coming from afar to continue defending in this region what Serbs have protected for centuries, a legacy granted to them by God.

"We are defending all the principles that the West is trying to undermine," Gagić said.

He expressed hope that Russia would become stronger and greater, as only such Russia can guarantee the survival not only of Orthodox Christians, but of the entire world, and that the Orthodox world will become even more united.

The President of the Serb-Russian Community Savo Cvjetinović emphasized that Russian volunteers responded to a fundamental call to help their brothers in the Balkans.

He also pointed out that the decision not to allow Russian volunteers to enter BiH reflects the position of the Muslim, and also the Croatian side toward Serbs, which is why they are not present today, although members of their families attended.

Višegrad Mayor Mladen Đurević said that this place permanently records the history of shared struggle and suffering, and that such sacrifice obliges future generations to preserve the truth.

"Russian volunteers came in difficult times to help the Serb people. They did not ask for a price or seek recognition; they were guided by the idea of freedom and human dignity. Their sacrifice has not been and will not be forgotten," Đurević stressed.

He underlined that Višegrad respects its friends and does not forget those who stood by it in the hardest moments, which is why it is a duty to pass on the truth about those times to younger generations.

Đurević expressed satisfaction at seeing a large number of students present today to pay tribute to Russian volunteers.

Wreaths were laid and tribute paid today at the Central Russian Monument at the Megdan Military Cemetery in Višegrad, marking the Day of Russian Volunteers and honoring those who lost their lives.