81 Years Since the End of the Second World War – Important to Know

Photo: Stalin and Ribbentrop after signing the non-aggression pact on 23 August 1939. Author unknown.

On 23 August 1939, the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany signed the so-called Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, which included secret protocols. This agreement paved the way for further aggression in Europe.

In the summer of 1940, the Soviet Union occupied, annexed, and incorporated the Baltic countries – Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania – into the USSR. The occupation regime carried out widespread repression and deportations of the population.

In a few days, on 8 May, we will commemorate the victory over 20th-century Nazism.

We believe in Ukraine’s victory over the aggressor of the 21st century – Russia, the heir to the USSR’s rights and responsibilities.

Times may change, but some things must not – the aggressor must be stopped and held accountable.

Source: US National Archives (copy from Hiden, John; Vahur Made, David J. Smith (2008). The Baltic question during the Cold War. Routledge. pp. 209)

The capitulation of Nazi Germany on 8 May 1945 did not bring an end to the war for Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania. The Soviet Union re-occupied the Baltic countries, which remained behind the Iron Curtain for the next five decades.

The declaration by Acting U.S. Secretary of State Sumner Welles on 23 July 1940 affirmed the policy of non-recognition of the incorporation of the Baltic countries into the Soviet Union – a stance maintained until the restoration of independence of the Baltic countries in 1990.

Today, we continue to uphold the policy of non-recognition with regard to Russia’s illegal annexation of Ukrainian territory.

Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia – they are all part of Ukraine.

The Second World War was the largest global military conflict in human history. Between 1 September 1939 and 2 September 1945, an estimated 55 to 60 million people lost their lives, more than half of whom were civilians.

Latvia lost around a quarter of its population – approximately 400,000 to 500,000 people – including those who were killed, deported, or forced into exile.

At the end of the war, the International Military Tribunal in Nuremberg brought the leaders of Nazi Germany to justice for crimes against peace and humanity. In January 1946, the International Military Tribunal for the Far East, also known as the Tokyo Tribunal, was established.

The Nuremberg Trials marked a turning point in the development of international law. They set a legal precedent by addressing aggression and crimes against humanity in court for the first time. It was recognised that following orders does not absolve individuals of personal responsibility for crimes committed. 

The Nuremberg process contributed to the establishment of lasting peace in Europe. Just and lasting peace is not possible if the aggressor does not bear full responsibility for their crimes. This principle remains valid today, as Russia continues its aggression and war crimes against Ukraine. Therefore, Latvia is actively involved in international efforts to establish a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. Therefore, Latvia is actively involved in international efforts to hold Russia accountable and prevent impunity.

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, sign the Agreement on the Establishment of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine on 25 June 2025, Strasbourg, France. Photo: Council of Europe

On 25 June 2025, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, signed the Agreement on the Establishment of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. Latvia supports the establishment of the Special Tribunal within the framework of the Council of Europe and, based on the mandate issued by the Government of Latvia on 3 February 2026, on 30 March 2026, notified the Council of Europe of its readiness to join the Tribunal to become one of its founding states and ensure the commencement of its operations.

Latvia has also supported the establishment of a compensation mechanism – the Register of Damage, the International Claims Commission and the Fund – for Ukraine, which will provide compensation for harm caused by Russia’s internationally unlawful acts. Latvia joined the Register of Damage on 12 May 2023 and was among the countries that signed the Convention establishing the International Claims Commission for Ukraine on 16 December 2025, which was ratified by the Saeima in 2026. The next step for the full functioning of the mechanism will be the establishment of a compensation fund to ensure the payment of compensation.

81 years have passed since the end of WWII. We remember those who perished and honour those who fought.

Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania did not start this war and were not parties to the war. Our countries endured three periods of occupation and, with the support of our European and transatlantic allies, prevailed and regained independence.

Today, we stand firmly in defence of democracy, uphold the principles of the UN Charter, and stand with Ukraine in its fight against the aggressor.

76 years ago, with the Schuman Declaration, the European project was launched, founded on the principles of peace, democracy, and cooperation.

Latvia has been a committed member of this project for more than 20 years. Today, the challenges to peace and freedom in Europe are the most serious since the beginning of the European project, and Europe’s unity, strength, and determination are key to overcoming them.

Not alone, but together, we will stand for our values and security – together, we are strong.