Moscow: Russia is grateful for the lend-lease provided by the United States to the Soviet Union during the Great Patriotic War, the 1941-1945 segment of World War II, and today Moscow has fully repaid it, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Peskov highlighted the importance of acknowledging the assistance provided by allies during the war. He noted that the lend-lease program significantly contributed to the Soviet Union’s victory. Peskov emphasized the need to remember and appreciate this support.
The Kremlin spokesman also pointed out that the lend-lease was not a gratuitous gesture but rather a paid service. He stated that both the Soviet Union and its legal successor, Russia, have fully settled the debt. The final payments were made in 2006 under President Vladimir Putin, marking the completion of Russia’s financial obligations related to the program.
The comments were made during the Znanie (Knowledge) educational marathon, an event held from April 28-30 across 10 Russian cities, including St. Petersburg, Kazan, and Moscow. This forum is dedicated to commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Victory in World War II. During the event, Peskov delivered a speech on the Soviet Union’s role in liberating the world from Nazism.