MINSK, May 9 President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko with his sons laid a wreath and flowers at the Victory Monument in the center of Minsk, a correspondent reports.
Laying flowers and wreaths at the Victory Monument took place on Tuesday on the square of the same name in the Belarusian capital as part of the republican action «Belarus Remembers», timed to coincide with the anniversary of the victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War.
It was also attended by the top leadership of the country, representatives of government agencies, law enforcement agencies, the diplomatic corps, clergy, public organizations, political parties, labor collectives, youth, veterans, as well as Minsk residents and guests of the capital who wish to watch the event. Hundreds of people gathered on the square with the state flags of Belarus, flowers, balloons, many were holding portraits of the heroes of the Great Patriotic War and front-line soldiers.
This year, unlike previous years, Lukashenka did not speak in front of those gathered on the square with a speech on the occasion of Victory Day, and instead heard a short report from Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin on the situation around the republic. The Minister noted the militarization of neighboring Western states, the scale of their exercises. He spoke about the confrontation between the Western and Eastern Slavic civilizations, and also assured the head of state that the Belarusian army was ready to repulse those who would encroach on the borders of the republic.
After that, Lukashenka left the ceremony venue. Passing by the veterans present on the square, the President stopped, greeted them and slightly bowed to them as a token of gratitude for the Victory.