Today, May 9th, is celebrated as Victory Day over fascism

80 years have passed since the Victory over fascism in World War II.

On the night of May 8-9, 1945, German Field Marshal Wilhelm Keitel signed the act of unconditional surrender of Germany. In this war against fascism, more than 600,000 Azerbaijanis fought, of whom 300,000 gave their lives for victory.

Azerbaijani divisions traveled a glorious combat path from the Caucasus to Berlin. 130 Azerbaijanis were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, 30 people became full cavaliers of the Order of Glory, more than 170,000 of our soldiers and officers were awarded various orders and medals, including twice Hero of the Soviet Union Azi Aslanov, Heroes of the Soviet Union Israfil Mamedov, Aslan Vezirov, Adil Guliyev, Ziya Buniyatov, Geray Asadov, Melik Magerramov, Mekhti Huseynzade, generals Makhmud Abilov, Akim Abbasov, Tarlan Aliyarbekov, Hajibaba Zeynalov and many others.

Azerbaijan's contribution to the victory is invaluable. In 1941-1945, our country accounted for more than 70% of oil production in the Soviet Union, producing 80% of gasoline and 90% of motor oils. The vast majority of tanks and aircraft of the Soviet army were powered by Baku fuel. Various types of weapons were continuously produced at enterprises in Azerbaijan.

Under the leadership of academician Yusif Mammadaliyev, a new technology for producing aviation gasoline was developed. Thanks to the selfless work of our oil workers, a record in the history of Azerbaijan for oil production was achieved: in 1941 - 23.5 million tons of "black gold". During those years, Azerbaijani oil workers extracted about 75 million tons of oil in total, Azerbaijan produced 22 million tons of gasoline and other petroleum products, and this was one of the main factors that ensured victory over fascism. It is enough to note that four out of five aircraft, tanks, and automobiles ran on fuel sent from Baku.

The Azerbaijani people demonstrated the will to win on the home front as well, working selflessly day and night to meet the needs of the army. More than seven tons of donor blood were sent from Azerbaijan to the front. Our country is also known for its active position in providing the army with food and warm clothing.

World War II veterans are the pride of our people. The heroism shown by them during the war years evokes deep respect in society.

It should be noted that in accordance with the decree of the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev dated April 21, 2025, one-time financial assistance payments were made to participants of World War II 1941-1945 and other persons specified in the document.

According to the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, in accordance with the decree, in connection with the 80th anniversary of Victory in World War II, each veteran-participant of combat operations was paid 2,500 manats.

Widows of soldiers who died in World War II or passed away later, persons awarded orders and medals for selfless work on the home front during that period, workers of special formations who carried out assignments in the interests of the army and navy in the rear of fighting fronts or in operational zones of fighting fleets during World War II, persons awarded the corresponding medal and badge for the defense of the city of Leningrad during World War II, as well as participants of the blockade of the city of Leningrad were paid one-time financial assistance in the amount of 1,250 manats each.

In total, 2,340 people from among war veterans and persons equated to them fell under the effect of the decree. The one-time financial assistance has already been transferred to their bank accounts.