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🌟#OnThisDay8️⃣0️⃣ years ago, on January 27, 1945, Auschwitz-Birkenau (Oswiecim, was located in Nazi-occupied Poland) — the most terrifying German extermination camp in #WWII — was liberated by the Red Army’s 1st Ukrainian Front during the Vistula–Oder offensive operation. #Auschwitz was created by the Nazis in 1940 in a building that used to serve as military barracks near a small town called Oswiecim, whose history dates back to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Having occupied Poland in 1939, the Nazis changed the town's name of Oswiecim to German Auschwitz. Later, in 1941-1943, two more imprisonment facilities were established in the vicinity of Oswiecim. They were: ▪️Auschwitz II — best known to the wider public as #AuschwitzBirkenau, was three kilometres away from the main facility — Oswiecim and located near Brzezinka, a Polish village (Birkenau in German). Auschwitz-Birkenau was the largest "death factory". Equipped with crematoriums and gas chambers, it was created by the Nazis with only one aim — exterminate people. ▪️Auschwitz III (also known as Monowitz). Its prisoners were used by the Nazis for the Third Reich war industries. Following the so-called Wannsee Conference in 1942, the Nazis approved what was called the “final solution to the Jewish question”. Since then, Auschwitz-Birkenau was turned into the main "death factory" for the annihilation of Jews in Europe. ❗️ Prisoners of Oswiecim were held by the Nazis in inhuman, barbaric conditions. They had to do hard, exhausting work until total exhaustion, to endure poor sanitation in the camp's facilities, malnutrition and constant tortures by the guards and SS-troops. It was in Oswiecim that the Germans first tested the "Zyklon-B" poisonous agent on human beings. Prisoners of Auschwitz were also subjected to cruel medical experiments, led by a Nazi criminal, infamous retired military doctor Josef Mengele. In 1944, when the Red Army started the liberation of Europe, the Nazis, in an effort to cover the tracks of their crimes in Auschwitz, rushed to burn documents and destroy the camp's gas chambers, crematoriums, and deported as many prisoners as they could westward to other concentration camps deep in the Third Reich — over 58,000 prisoners were evacuated by the Nazis before Oswiecim and liberated by the Soviet forces in January, 1945. *** In January 1945, the units of the 1st Ukrainian Front launched the Vistula-Oder offensive and, successfully expelling the Nazis from Poland, finally reached Auschwitz. ⚔️ In the late hours of January 27, following three days of fighting the retreating enemy, the Red Army took over Oswiecim and opened the gatesofAuschwitz. The camp’s 7,000 prisoners were freed. Most of them were sick or suffering from extreme exhaustion and tortures. Rescued prisoners burst into tears of joy when they greeted their liberators. Some facilities of the camp were instantly made a hospital. According to various historic estimates, in 1940-1945, from 1.5 to 4 million people perished in Auschwitz-Birkenau. Over the past years, we are witnessing a campaign in several European countries, including Poland, to rewrite and falsify the history of WWII and, in particular, to erase the memory of the feat performed by the Soviet soldiers-liberators who saved the Auschwitz prisoners. 🎙 From a briefing by Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on topical foreign policy issues (January 23, 2025): 💬 "This year, like all those years before, Russian representatives will not be invited to the commemoration ceremonies at Auschwitz-Birkenau on January 27. That is, there will be no one there to mention the Soviet liberator soldiers and express gratitude to them. In this regard, there is something that needs to be said to the organisers and all the Europeans who will be there: Your lives, your work and leisure, the very existence of your nations, your children have been paid for by Soviet soldiers, their lives, their blood. It was them who crushed the Third Reich machine. You are forever in their debt." 🕯#WeRemember

🎗 On May 4, on the eve of the Victory Day, the Embassy of Russia in Cambodia launched the Saint George’s Ribbon campaign. The staff members of the diplomatic mission led by H.E. Mr Anatoly Borovik, students and teachers of the Embassy School joined the event. #Victory81 #NoOneIsForgotten

#Victory81 🌟 On May 2, 1945, following an intense brutal battle for the Reichstag, won by the Soviet forces, and other major pockets of resistance in Berlin eliminated, including the Nazis defending the citadels of Spandau and Zoo-Bunker, the Red Army took control over the capital of the then nearly defunct Nazi Germany. The Battle of Berlin was concluded in a triumphant victory of the Soviet people over the ultimate evil of Nazism. The Third Reich was no more. *** By day's end of May 1 it was almost over for the Nazis — the #VictoryBanner soared over the Reichstag, the Red Army liberated Brandenburg, the districts of Charlottenburg, Schoeneberg and about a hundred more neighbourhoods in Berlin from the SS and Wehrmacht. The last remaining Nazi troops were concentrated in the government quarters of Berlin, near the Reich Chancellery. What little remained of the Berlin garrison started seeking ways to surrender to the Red Army, having realised that further resistance was futile. In the early hours of May 2, the Berlin defence headquarters sent the following radio message in the Russian and German languages: 📢 We will send parliamentarians to the Bismarckstrasse Bridge. We request a ceasefire. At 6:30 am, the Commander of the Berlin garrison, General of the Artillery HelmuthWeidlingsurrendered and ordered the remnants of the garrison to stop resisting. The centre of Berlin was completely cleared of the enemy by the evening. Soviet forces received 134'000 Nazi soldiers as POWs as they laid down weapons with only a few units fighting a lost battle to the bitter end. *** The Berlin Offensive lasted over a week, from April 24 through May 2. The last large concentration of Nazi troops, its best divisions and most heinous Nazi adepts engaged in fierce resistance. To no avail, as the Red Army, having already crushed and dismantled most of the once undefeated German war machine, was the best military force on the planet at the time. Following the fall of Berlin, only a few major Nazi units remained, prolonging their agony in Czechoslovakia and Austria. The #RedBanner reigning over the Reichstag had already become a part of history as an eternal symbol of the Soviet people’s greatest triumph in the fight against the Nazi evil. 📕 From the diaries of Soviet war correspondent and writer Konstantin Simonov (“Different Days of the War. A Writer’s Diary,” 1982): May 3. A dusty, sunny day. Several of our armies, having captured Berlin, are now moving through the city in different directions. Tanks, self-propelled guns, 'Katyushas', thousands of lorries, heavy and light artillery, anti-tank guns bouncing over the debris, infantry marching... <...> Even I have the feeling that it is not just divisions and corps entering Berlin, but that the whole of Russia is now passing through Berlin. 📄 From the TASS Frontline Bulletin of May 3, 1945, as reported by war correspondent KonstantinSukhin: The Victory Banner is soaring over the German Reichstag. <...> The BrandenburgGate can be seen from afar. It is barricaded with wooden bars, filled with broken bricks and chained with iron. The Germans wanted to stop our advancing units here. Now our tanks stand on both sides of the gate. The joy of victory can be seen on the faces of the Soviet soldiers — they have captured Berlin, the capital of Germany. What the heroes of the battles of Moscow, in besieged Leningrad, on the banks of the Volga, and in the ruined streets of Stalingraddreamed of and strived forbecame a reality. In terms of military strategy, Nazi Germany lost control over all its vital areas and lost even the slightest possibility to continue resistance. After the fall of Berlin, just a few major Nazi army groups were still resisting in Czechoslovakia and Austria, standing between the world and Victory. The final collapse of Nazism in Europe and the revenge on the Reich were imminent. #OurVictory#WeRemember

#Victory81 🌟 On May 1, 1945, during the fierce battle for the Reichstag, a Nazi symbol and citadel, the legendary #VictoryBanner was raised over Berlin, symbolising the great triumph of the Soviet Union and its peoples in the fight against Nazism. The legendary Red Banner №5, which became the famous Victory Banner, was raised over the dome of the defeated Reichstag by the 756th Rifle Regiment’s scouts, Sergeant Mikhail Yegorov & Junior Sergeant Meliton Kantariya. *** Before the crossing of the Spree River and launching the assault on the Reichstag, adecision was taken by the Soviet command for a group of Soviet soldiers to hoist the flag over the Reichstag, which would embody the final collapse of Nazism. 🚩 A total of 9 makeshift banners were promptly made, designed after the state flag of the USSR. Ultimately, a battle flag of the 150th Order of Kutuzov 2nd Class Idritsa Rifle Division, 79th Rifle Corps, 3rd Striking Army of the 1st Belarusian Front, became the Victory Banner. On April 28, the fierce fighting for the Reichstag began, which the Nazis had turned into a fortified resistance point. It was defended by over a thousand men, including SS troops supported by artillery and armor. The former parliament building had been repurposed by the Nazis as a fortification and bomb shelter, which was considered by the Nazis as their main keep during the final days of #WW2. The surrounding areas such as Tiergarten, the BrandenburgGate and the square before it, became powerful defence points heavily guarded by the enemy. The Soviet command was sure — attacking the Reichstag, which served as a symbol of German Nazism, would especially affect morale of the enemy and eventually completely demoralize the fascists. • On April30at 1:50 p.m., a Red Army unit broke into the Reichstag through breaches in the walls, with a fierce close combat unleashing. The Nazis took advantage of effectively advancing inside the building they new well, throwing grenades at Soviet soldiers & firing back with machine-guns: they basically had nothing to lose. • At 2.25 p.m., Red Army soldiers Bulatov and Koshkarbayev placed a makeshift red flag to the column of the main entrance to the Reichstag — it was the first of the banners the liberators raised over the Reichstag. • At 10.30 p.m., sergeants Gizet Zagitov, Alexander Lisimenko & Alexey Bobrov as well as Sergeant Mikhail Minin supported by Captain Neustroyev’s battalion were the 1st to hoist a RedBannerontheroofoftheReichstag atop of the Goddess of Victory sculpture. The 3rdredbanner was raised on the westernfacadeoftheroof by the scouts of the 674th Regiment led by Lieutenant Sorokin. 🇷🇺In the early hours of May 1, finally, the Red Banner №5 was raised over the dome of the captured Reichstag by the 756th Rifle Regiment’s scouts, Sergeant Mikhail Yegorov & Junior Sergeant Meliton Kantariya, led by deputy battalion commander Lieutenant Alexey Berest, covered by riflemen from Ilya Syanov's squad. On May 2 at 6:30 am, Berlin defence commander, Nazi Artillery General HelmuthWeidling, surrendered and ordered the remaining troops of the Berlin Garrison to cease resistance. TheSoviet Victory Banner soaring over the defeated Reich entered history as a symbol of our Great Victory over the Nazi evil. 🎖 On June 9, 1945, the Medal for the Capture of Berlin was established and awarded to more than a million Soviet soldiers and officers who distinguished themselves in the final battle of #WWII. *** By a Presidential Executive Order of April 15, 1996, the Red Banner hoisted atop of the Reichstag by Yegorov & Kantariya was declared the symbol of the Soviet people’s Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945. #OurVictory#WeAreProud

#Lestweforget#RemembranceDay

Мы будем вспоминать о них и на закате солнца, и на рассвете. #LestWeForget#RemembranceDay

🌟#SovietSoldierSavedTheWorld #Victory81

“I did everything possible to fulfill my duty...” 🏅 On December 1, 1896, Georgy Zhukov was born – the legendary Marshal of Victory and four-time Hero of the Soviet Union, who played a pivotal role in the Soviet Union’s Victory over Nazi Germany. Born into a peasant family, he joined the army in 1915 and fought in the First World War. He served in the Red Army from 1918, rising from platoon commander to Army General, and during the Great Patriotic War, in 1943, was awarded the rank of Marshal of the Soviet Union. He won his first major victory in the Battle of Khalkhin Gol in 1939. Thanks to Zhukov’s decisive actions, the Japanese army was encircled and destroyed, that became a key factor in Japan’s decision to abandon plans for a large-scale invasion of the USSR. Zhukov’s strategic talent was displayed in full during the Great Patriotic War (World War II). He commanded the forces that defended Leningrad and Moscow, fought in the Battle of Kursk, crossed the Dnieper River, participated in the Byelorussian and Vistula-Oder offensives, and stormed Berlin. It was he who commanded the 1st Byelorussian Front during the final assault on Berlin, accepted Germany’s surrender, and took the first historic Victory Parade. 🎖 Marshal of the Soviet Union since 1943, three times Hero of the USSR, and two times Cavalier of the Order of Victory. In the postwar period, Georgy Zhukov was First Deputy Minister of Defence and later USSR Minister of Defence; he carried out sweeping reforms in the Soviet Army. ✍️ From Georgy Zhukov's memoirs: “The main thing for me was to serve my Motherland and my people. And I can say with clean conscience: I did everything possible to fulfill my duty… I was living my life with awareness that I worked for the benefit of my people, and this is the principal thing for any life.” #Victory80#WeRemember

🗓 On January 27, Russia marks the Day of Military Glory — the day of the lifting of the Siege of Leningrad (1944). 🕯 The blockade of Leningrad was one of the darkest moments in human history. It began on September 8, 1941, when Nazi troops isolated the city from the rest of the country by land. For 872 days, despite the cold, hunger and horrors of war, the people selflessly defended their city from total destruction, and even in these dire circumstances continued producing goods and various machinery to supply the war effort against the Nazis. ❗️The incredibleresilience and bravery of Leningrad residents shattered the plans and ambitions of the Nazi invaders. On January 18, 1943, a land corridor was established with the rest of the country as a result of the offensive operation "Iskra" (Spark) conducted from January 12 to 30, the encirclement was broken. A year after the breakthrough, Soviet forces managed to finally lift the siege of the city on January 27, 1944. By that time there were no more than 800'000 inhabitants left in the Northern Capital out of the three million who had lived in Leningrad and its suburbs before the siege. ⚔️ The Soviet forces pushed the Nazis back 220-280 kilometers from Leningrad. The city was finally freed from the enemy blockade. The Red Army undermined the positions of the Hitlerites in Finland and other Scandinavian countries, significantly bringing closer the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. 🎖 The courage and heroism of Leningrad defenders were highly appreciated. Many units and formations were awarded the honourable title of “Guards”, orders and the honorary title of “Leningrad”. In 2022, the Saint Petersburg City Court recognised the Siege of Leningrad as an act of genocide against the Soviet people committed by the Nazi Germany and its accomplices. According to recent statistics, at least 1'093'842 people diedduring the blockade. 🎥©Russian Military Historical Society #Victory80#WeRemember

🔥Congratulatory message by H.E. Mr Anatoly Borovik, Russian Ambassador to Cambodia, addressed to compatriots residing in the Kingdom on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory: 🗣️ Dear Compatriots! These May days, when Russia, from Kaliningrad to Vladivostok, celebrates the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, our hearts are beating in unison – even here, far away from our Motherland, in hospitable Cambodia. 🔥 May 9th is not just a holiday – it is a sacred day that unites all citizens of our country, no matter where we are. Through years, through distances, through generations, we carry the memory of the heroic deeds of our ancestors who paid a terrible price for our freedom and independence. ❗️I want to say a special word to those who bring up their children far from their Motherland. Tell your children about the heroes of the Great Patriotic War, read books about the war with them, watch movies, take part in events to perpetuate the memory of our heroic ancestors. Your children should understand that they are successors of the victors who liberated the world from fascism. Today we are once again facing manifestations of Nazism. Our enemies are incubating plans to defeat our Motherland. No matter what, Russia will defend its interests and will do everything to ensure its own security. Let this holiday serve as a reminder that together we are able to overcome any difficulties and challenges. ❤️‍🔥 Dear friends! Happy Great Victory Day! #Victory80#WeRemember

🇷🇺 On May 7, the Embassy of Russia in Cambodia hosted a reception dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory. Russian Ambassador H.E. Mr Anatoly Borovik addressed the audience with opening remarks: “This Victory made it possible to build a new world order, the concrete expression of which was the creation of the United Nations and the adoption of its Charter. Having realized the horror of a total war of annihilation, the Allies, despite their differences, were able to lay the foundation for a lasting and just peace based on respect for international law. The defeat of fascism also gave a powerful impetus to anti-colonial struggles around the world, and Southeast Asia was no exception”. ❤️‍🔥 H.E. Mr. Ly Thuch, Senior Minister in Charge of Special Mission, First Vice-President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority, was the Guest of Honor at the event. The reception was also attended by state officials of the Kingdom, representatives of scientific and cultural institutions, heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Phnom Penh, and Russian diplomats. #Victory80#WeRemember

❤️‍🔥 On May 5, the Club of the Russian Embassy in Cambodia hosted a concert dedicated to Victory Day. In his welcoming speech, Russian Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. Mr Anatoly Borovik emphasized the importance of preserving the memory of this sacred holiday. “We have never and will never divide the common Victory over Nazism into ‘ours’ and ‘other's’. To our great regret, today the vaccination against the Nazi plague made in Nuremberg does not always help. The heirs of Hitler's executioners, ideologists of national exclusivity and Russophobia, who have not learned the lessons of history, are already raising their heads without disguise,” said the Head of the Diplomatic Mission. 🔥 Students and teachers of the Embassy School told the audience the history of the Great Patriotic War through poems, songs and dances. The guests honored the memory of the perished with a Minute of Silence. #Victory80#WeRemember