An exhibition commemorating victims of Nazi crimes during World War II has been opened by the Russian Embassy.

The photographic display is at the National Library in Windhoek.

19 April is observed as the national day of the Great Patriotic War and marks a 1943 Soviet decree that formally recognised civilians in occupied territories that were deliberately targeted. 

The decree later contributed to the evidence presented at the Nuremberg Trials.

"On the 19th of April, we honour all victims, Soviet people who fell victim to the atrocities of Nazi Germany and their collaborators during the Great Patriotic War of 1941 to 1945," explained 

Head of Foreign Policy and Media at the Russian Embassy, Anton Chirva.

Historical estimates indicate that millions of Soviet citizens died during the war, including over 13 million civilians in occupied territories. 

The exhibition highlights the Siege of Leningrad, where German forces surrounded the city for nearly 900 days from 1941 to 1944.

April 19 is now observed in Russia as a day of remembrance for victims of Nazi crimes during the Second World War.