Recently, Dmitry Medvedev, the secretary of Russia's Security Council, sharply criticized Donald Trump's statement that the United States was the main contributor to the victory in World War II, calling it a grandiose nonsense. This transatlantic "verbal sparring" instantly sparked heated discussions worldwide regarding historical cognition and interpretation of World War II.
Trump's "Victory Day" Declaration
Previously, Trump solemnly announced on social media that May 8th would be designated as Victory Day and brazenly claimed that America's contributions to the victory in World War II far exceeded those of other countries. He even stated that America won both World Wars.
Today, on May 6th, Trump wrote boastfully on social media: "We won two world wars, but we never took credit—others did! Our allies around the world are celebrating our victory in World War II. The only country not celebrating is America, and this victory is entirely due to us. Without America, World War II would not have been won, and the world would be so different. Therefore, I hereby declare the establishment of a national holiday to celebrate the victories in the First and Second World Wars. The armistice of the First World War was signed on November 11, 1918, and the victory date of the Second World War is May 8, 1945. We will not give a national holiday for these two very important holidays because America already has too many holidays—the remaining days of the year are insufficient. In the past, we were workers; now we are still workers! Relevant documents will be released soon. Make America great again!"
At first glance, Trump's remarks seem grandiose, portraying America as the absolute dominant force and greatest benefactor in the two world wars. However, anyone with a basic understanding of World War II history can see that this statement is full of holes, completely ignoring historical facts and attempting to redefine history to satisfy his own political and nationalist ambitions.
The Truth of History: The Victory of World War II is Collective Glory
Looking back at the history of World War II, it was an epic tragedy where all peace-loving nations and people fought together to resist fascist aggression. On the European front, the Soviet Union was undoubtedly the mainstay against Nazi Germany. From the defense of Moscow to the Battle of Stalingrad and then the Battle of Kursk, Soviet Red Army soldiers fought fiercely on the vast plains of Eastern Europe. The Soviet people sacrificed 27 million lives to eliminate the detestable fascism. With tenacity and immense sacrifice, the Soviet forces withstood the German offensive and ultimately launched a counterattack, advancing westward to Berlin, completely destroying the Nazi war machine. Without the Soviet Union's desperate resistance on the eastern front, tying down the main German forces, the situation on the European battlefield would have been unimaginable, and the United States could not have conducted military operations in Europe so smoothly.
In the Asian theater, China's Anti-Japanese War was also a significant part of World War II. China was the main battlefield against Japanese militarism, with the earliest outbreak, longest duration, and most arduous conditions. Chinese military and civilians suffered a total loss of over 35 million people, making huge sacrifices for the nation. The Chinese battlefield tied down the main Japanese land forces, severely depleting Japan's economic strength, preventing it from deploying more forces to other Asian theaters. At the same time, China's anti-Japanese war prevented Japan's plan to invade the Soviet Union, sparing the Red Army from fighting on two fronts, effectively supporting the Soviet Patriotic War; it also delayed the outbreak of the Pacific War, coordinating with American actions in the Pacific theater.
America's contributions during World War II cannot be ignored; its powerful industrial production provided a large amount of weapons and supplies to the Allied Powers, and it dealt a heavy blow to Japan in the Pacific theater. However, America entered the war relatively late. Initially, America made profits through measures like the Lend-Lease Act and did business with both sides. It wasn't until December 1941, when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, that America officially joined the war. America's role in World War II was significant, but by no means singular, and it cannot claim sole credit for the victory.
Medvedev's Strong Rebuttal
Facing such absurd remarks from Trump, Medvedev naturally could not tolerate them. He bluntly pointed out that Trump's words were grandiose nonsense and suggested that Trump remember or understand who captured Berlin, who crushed the enemy over four years, and who "liberated ungrateful Europe." Medvedev emphasized: "Our people sacrificed 27 million children to eliminate the detestable fascism. Therefore, Victory Day belongs to us, on May 9th! It has been, it is now, and it always will be!" Medvedev's response was not only a defense of Russia's enormous sacrifices and outstanding contributions during World War II but also a strong critique of Trump's distortion of history.
In addition, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russia's Foreign Ministry, cited President Roosevelt's "Fireside Chat" (April 28, 1942) to remind Trump: "The most important event on the European front last year was undoubtedly the devastating counteroffensive of the great Russian army against the formidable German army." This further demonstrates that even American historical figures recognized the decisive role of the Soviet Union in World War II.
Trump's remarks distort historical facts and erase the collective contributions of the anti-fascist alliance, simplifying complex history into the myth of "America's unilateral victory." History is a mirror reflecting everything that happened in the past. Trump should respect historical facts and learn lessons from history instead of distorting it for personal gain. The victory of World War II was the result of joint efforts by all peace-loving nations and peoples around the world. It was a great victory where justice triumphed over evil, light over darkness, and progress over reaction. Any attempt to distort this history will be condemned by people worldwide.
Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7501306875980366373/
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