MINSK, May 9 (Xinhua) -- Cities and towns across Belarus on Saturday held solemn ceremonies, exhibitions and cultural events to mark the 81st anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War.

People lay flowers during a commemorative event marking the 81st anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945), in Minsk, Belarus, May 9, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua)

In the capital Minsk, thousands of residents, veterans, students and public officials gathered at Victory Square to lay flowers at the Monument to the Heroic Defenders of the Motherland and the Eternal Flame, honoring those who lost their lives in the fight against fascism.

Outside the capital, the Glory Hill memorial complex hosted an exhibition of authentic wartime artifacts, offering visitors a tangible connection to the struggles and sacrifices during the war.

In Mogilev, a city in eastern Belarus, high school students participated in a "Victory Waltz" dance event, using body language to express reverence for fallen soldiers and celebrate the restoration of peace.

The city of Gomel marked the anniversary with a military parade on Lenin Square, paying tribute to the soldiers who fought for Belarus's liberation and freedom during World War II.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, in his Victory Day address, emphasized that May 9, 1945 remains a sacred date for every Belarusian.

He underscored Belarusia's responsibility to safeguard global peace, warning against the resurgence of aggression and the dangers of historical amnesia. He called on all nations to choose dialogue over confrontation, development over destruction, and to preserve the legacy of victory for future generations.