On April 19, 2026, the Russian Federation will observe a new commemorative date for the first time: Remembrance Day for the Victims of the Genocide of the Soviet People committed by the Nazis and their accomplices during the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945.

On this day in 1943, the first legal act officially codifying the Nazi policy of exterminating civilians in occupied territories was issued: Decree No. 39 of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR "On Punishment for Nazi Villains Guilty of the Murder and Torture of Soviet Civilians and Captured Red Army Soldiers, for Spies, Traitors of the Motherland from Among Soviet Citizens, and for Their Collaborators."

Evidence collected during investigations conducted under this decree became a key element of the evidence base at the Nuremberg Tribunal and other war crimes trials. This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of the International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg.

Preserving the memory of the events of the Great Patriotic War is our shared duty. It is important to pass on the truth about the past to future generations and to counter any attempts to distort history. This is essential to preserving historical justice and preventing the recurrence of such tragedies.