French Military Denounces Russian ‘Information Attack’ on Ukraine Conflict
Western diplomats in Moscow paid tribute to the victims of Soviet repression, amid rising concerns over the glorification of Joseph Stalin by Russian authorities. On October 29, 2025, ambassadors from France and the United Kingdom, Nicolas de Rivière and Nigel Casey, respectively, along with other diplomats, laid flowers at the Solovetsky Stone memorial. This tribute took place in front of the KGB building in the Russian capital.
Commemoration Amid Controversy
The event drew attention to the ongoing repression of dissent in Russia, particularly since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022. The Russian government has effectively banned any criticism of Stalin and has targeted organizations that seek to preserve the memory of those persecuted during the Great Terror of the 1930s.
Notably, the Solovetsky Stone memorial was established in 1990 to honor the victims of Soviet terror. Various diplomats, including those from Germany and the European Union, participated in this act of remembrance. Their floral tributes were sometimes adorned with yellow and blue ribbons, colors that represent the Ukrainian flag, which have become taboo in Russia. Other attendees chose blue and white, colors associated with the Russian opposition movement.
Suppression of Historical Memory
Before the war in Ukraine, a prominent organization known as Memorial coordinated an annual ceremony at this memorial. During the event, participants would read the names of individuals exiled, imprisoned, or executed under Stalin’s regime. However, in 2021, Russian authorities ordered Memorial’s dissolution, accusing it of promoting a false narrative of the Soviet Union as a terrorist state. In 2022, this organization was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Additionally, the Russian government has closed significant historical sites, including the Gulag History Museum in Moscow, which detailed Soviet repression. Simultaneously, busts of Stalin have been erected in various Russian cities, including a prominent Moscow metro station, as the Kremlin depicts him as a hero for his role in defeating Nazi Germany. This portrayal often overlooks the extensive human cost, with Memorial estimating that between 15 to 20 million people perished due to Stalin’s policies.
Key Facts
- Date: October 29, 2025
- Location: Solovetsky Stone memorial, Moscow
- Key Figures: Nicolas de Rivière (France), Nigel Casey (UK)
- Significant Organizations: Memorial (banned in Russia in 2021)
- Estimated Death Toll: 15-20 million victims of Stalin’s repression
This event highlights the ongoing struggle over historical narratives in Russia, particularly regarding the Soviet past and its implications for present-day conflicts.
