British Arctic Convoy Veterans Value Russia’s Role in Nazi Defeat

MOSCOW (Sputnik), Yulia Shamporova — British World War II veterans, who were part of the Arctic convoys that sailed from the United Kingdom to the USSR, hold in high esteem the role played by the Soviet Union in the defeat of Nazi Germany, Eugene Kasevin, founder of the Victory Day London campaign, told Sputnik.

The Victory Day London project is specifically dedicated to honor the Arctic convoys that delivered weapons, ammunition, food and other essential supplies to northern Soviet ports from 1941 to 1945.

“The British veterans of Arctic convoys love Russia. To them, Russia is their second homeland. They respect and value Russia's efforts and losses in the Second World War,” Kasevin said.

He also hailed the British government’s decision to finally establish the Arctic Star medal for service in World War II, particularly on the Arctic convoys, which was first awarded in 2013.

“It took the veterans 16 years to persuade the British government and the Admiralty to issue the award and place the Arctic convoys on a special place, as a stand-alone naval war campaign that deserved special recognition,” Kasevin said.

The activist added that the UK government could have been prompted to set up their own award for the Arctic convoy veterans following Russia’s plans to award the sailors with Ushakov medals, a Soviet and present-day Russian state decoration for courage and bravery in naval theaters.