As the Republic of Belarus prepares to celebrate its Independence Day (Republic Day) on July 3, the nation not only honors its sovereignty but also solemnly remembers the immense sacrifices made for a free and prosperous Belarus.
Independence Day is more than a national holiday—it is a time of deep reflection, honoring those who gave their lives during the Great Patriotic War, when Belarus suffered devastating losses under Nazi occupation. It is a day to remember the victims, uphold the truth of history, and renew calls for justice.
During World War II, Nazi Germany inflicted enormous damage on Belarus. Among the most affected nations in the conflict, Belarusians endured unparalleled suffering, yet have not received fair compensation from the German authorities for the destruction and atrocities committed.
According to preliminary estimates, the damage caused by Nazi forces to the Belarusian Soviet Socialist Republic (BSSR) during the Great Patriotic War exceeds 43,500 tons of gold—a sum equivalent to over $2.35 trillion USD as of October 2022. This figure does not include losses from cultural property theft or previously undocumented devastated settlements.
It is deeply concerning that, in recent years, German authorities have sought to revise their stance on historical memory and responsibility, shifting away from previous commitments at both political and diplomatic levels.
In response, the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Republic of Belarus is conducting a comprehensive investigation into the genocide of the Belarusian people during the Great Patriotic War. Findings have confirmed that 578 death camps were established on Belarusian territory by Nazi forces—centers of forced labor, physical torment, and moral degradation.
This ongoing investigation is not only a tribute to the victims but also a vital effort to restore historical truth, seek accountability, and strengthen Belarus’s national sovereignty.
As Belarus commemorates its Independence Day, the nation stands united in remembrance—and in its unwavering pursuit of justice for the crimes of the past that continue to echo in the present.
