The family of Komarov Ilya Photo: Fan Wei/GT

On Friday, large crowds of Russian citizens spontaneously gathered along Tverskaya Street in Moscow to watch the military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War. Among the crowd, the Global Times reporters noticed that one family stood out in particular: that of Komarov Ilya. His wife and daughter wore Soviet Red Army uniforms and held Soviet Victory Flags to take part in the commemoration.

"Without that victory 80 years ago, we wouldn't be here today. I know China also suffered immense losses in that war, and I would very much like to visit China to participate in the events marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression," Ilya told the Global Times. 

"Victory Day is a solemn and moving moment for me. It is a celebration that brings tears to one's eyes and is the most important holiday for our country," Ilya said, noting that people can better appreciate the deeds of the people's heroes."

Ilya's wife said she wore the Soviet Red Army uniform to honor Victory Day and to remember those who fought for freedom and peace and also to commemorate Ilya's father. 

Russia was the main battlefield in Europe during World War II. In order to win the Great Patriotic War, the Soviet Union paid a staggering price — losing 27 million lives, with almost every family suffering casualties. On Victory Day, Global Times reporters observed many Russians carrying photos of their relatives who participated in the war, honoring them at commemorative events. Ilya's 11-year-old daughter, Sofia held a photo of her grandfather throughout the day's activities.

Ilya said that his father, Nikolai took part in the Soviet Red Army's battle in Berlin in 1945. During the crossing of the Dahme River in Berlin, his father was wounded in the hand while leading a squad in combat with Nazi forces. After a brief treatment, he immediately returned to his unit and continued the mission. For his outstanding performance in the war, he was awarded the Soviet Order of the Red Star and the Medal For the Capture of Berlin.

Ilya said that he understood how difficult China's wartime experience had been and how many Chinese lives were lost. "But in the end, we won. This is our shared holiday — our shared victory."