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🇷🇺🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 The library in the Scottish town of Airdrie recently opened an exhibition dedicated to one of the most touching chapters in the history of relations between the peoples of our countries: the "Scottish Album," which was sent by the women of that town to the residents of besieged Leningrad in the fall of 1941, and the "Leningrad Album," which was sent in return from the encircled "northern capital" to Scotland. The exhibition features copies of two albums. The first contains handwritten messages of support, poems by Robert Burns, and drawings, as well as the signatures of several thousand female workers of plants and factories, members of communist organizations, and parishioners of churches in Airdrie and Coatbridge. The album, prepared over the course of two weeks, was handed over to the Soviet embassy in London and then shipped to Leningrad. In the besieged city, these words of support were read out loud at public meetings. The residents of Leningrad needed to know that even in distant Scotland, their heroic struggle and the trials they endured were not forgotten. In early 1942, an album was created in response, containing watercolours and lithographs depicting Leningrad, words of gratitude and determination to confront the common enemy, and thousands of signatures from women of the city on the Neva. In 1943, the album arrived in Airdrie and became the centrepiece of the "Russia Week" exhibition. Copies of the albums are available for viewing by appointment. The exhibition also features archival materials about the creation of the "Scottish Album" and events held in the region during those years to raise funds to support the Soviet Union fighting fascism, as well as the book "Immortal Regiment" featuring memoirs by St. Petersburg schoolchildren about their great-grandmothers and great-grandfathers who heroically defended our homeland. 🤝 On the eve of Victory Day, Consul General of Russia in Edinburgh Denis Moskalenko and his wife visited the exhibition and thanked the staff of the Airdrie Library for their contribution to preserving the memory of the heroism of the residents of besieged Leningrad and the joint struggle of our peoples against Nazism during World War II. #Victory81

🌟 On February 3, an exhibition “Stalingrad Suite” by the British artist and World War II veteran Kenneth Loynes was held at the historic premises of the Embassy of Russia in Norway, timed to coincide with the 83rd anniversary of the end of the Battle of Stalingrad. The main guest of the event was Lyubov Kovaleva, a witness to the Battle of Stalingrad. Representatives of the diplomatic corps, Norwegian citizens, and compatriots living in Norway were also present. In his address to the guests, Ambassador of Russia to Norway Nikolai Korchunov emphasized: "The Great Patriotic War affected every family in our country. Today, we pay tribute to those who made our Victory possible. <...> In memory of the Battle of Stalingrad and all those who fell, we are opening an exhibition of paintings by British artist Kenneth Loynes, ‘The Stalingrad Suite’. <...> In times of geopolitical tension, culture and art remain one of the most important tools for restoring trust and reminding us of universal human values." During the evening, songs from the war years and classical musical compositions by Sergei Rachmaninoff and Sergei Prokofiev were performed by Timur Dorfman, Adrian Kharitonov, and Svyatoslav Grabovsky. Guests were shown an excerpt from a documentary film by Norwegian filmmaker Jarle Andhøy about veterans of the Great Patriotic War who survived the Battle of Stalingrad. An interview with artist Kenneth Loynes, provided by his friend Margrete Geurts-Lakin, was also shown. In conclusion, Nikolay Korchunov awarded our compatriot Tatyana Toresen with the Honorary Sign of a Compatriot of the Commission for the Affairs of Compatriots Living Abroad for her work in identifying the names of Soviet prisoners of war buried in Norway and searching for their relatives. #Victory81

#Victory81 🏅 On January 27, 1944, Leningrad was fully liberated from the fascist blockade. The Siege of Leningrad is one of the most tragic, yet heroic, chapters in human history. Hitler intended to destroy the city along with all its inhabitants. The people of Leningrad selflessly defended their city for nearly 900 days, despite enormous losses, hunger, and cold. “125 blockade grams, amid fire and blood” — that was the daily bread ration in the winter of 1941-1942. It was below the physiological minimum required for survival. According to current data, at least 1'093'000 people died as a result of the Siege imposed on the city by German and Finnish troops. ☝️ Saint Petersburg City Court recognised the Siege of Leningrad as an act of genocide against the Soviet people. 🎥©Russian Military Historical Society

🎆On January 27, 1944, at 20:00 – for the first time in a long while, the evening sky over Leningrad was lit not by anti-aircraft searchlights, but by the bright flashes of a victory salute. 24 volleys from 324 guns thundered across the Mars Field, along the banks of the Neva River, and from the ships of the Baltic Fleet, marking the long-awaited end of the blockade of the hero city on the Neva. 💬From the Order of the Military Council of the Leningrad Front to the troops of the Leningrad Front, January 27, 1944: Citizens of Leningrad! Brave and steadfast people of Leningrad! Together with the troops of the Leningrad Front, you have defended our city. Through your heroic labour and unyielding endurance, overcoming all the hardships and suffering of the blockade, you forged the weapons of Victory over the enemy, giving all your strength to the cause. In celebration of the Victory achieved and in honour of the complete liberation of Leningrad from the enemy blockade, today, 27 January, at 20:00, the City of Lenin salutes the valiant troops of the Leningrad Front with 24 artillery volleys from 324 guns. 💬From the article by the Leningrad branch of TASS, January 28, 1944: The hero city, which for 28 months fought steadfastly and courageously against a ferocious enemy, has withstood an unparalleled siege and driven back the Nazi thugs. The warriors of Leningrad, continuing their offensive, are driving the enemy from our Soviet homeland. In celebration of the Great Victory and in honour of the complete liberation of Leningrad from the enemy blockade, yesterday, 27 January, the City of Lenin saluted the valiant troops of the Leningrad Front. The capital of our Fatherland, Moscow, which salutes the liberation of ever more cities, yesterday listened with special emotion to the salute – this time thundering from Leningrad itself. In the darkest and most tragic days of the blockade, the people of Moscow always stood with the people of Leningrad in spirit. They admired their extraordinary resilience and courage, shared in their ordeals, and never wavered in their belief in Victory. 468 long days still remained until the final defeat of the Nazi invaders, and the Red Banner raised over the Reichstag. Yet 82 years ago, the people of Leningrad who had endured bombardment, hunger and unimaginable suffering of the siege had every right to celebrate a special Victory. Moscow, which marked every military achievement with artillery salute, on that single occasion yielded this honour to the Northern Capital. 🏅Eternal glory to the heroes who fell in the battle for Leningrad, for the freedom and independence of our Fatherland! #Victory81

🏅 On January 12, 1943, the Red Army launched Operation "Iskra" (Operation "Spark"), which resulted in the breakthrough of the Siege of Leningrad. During the offensive, formations of the Leningrad and Volkhov Fronts crushed the enemy’s defences and restored a land connection between the city and the mainland. The Nazi blockade closed around Leningrad on September 8, 1941. More than 2.8 million people, including 400,000 children, were trapped in the besieged city. Its people endured the most severe conditions – a harsh winter, starvation, and constant air raids. The Soviet High Command made several attempts to break the blockade: in autumn 1941, during the general counter-offensive in January 1942, and again in the summer and autumn of 1942. Favourable conditions for success emerged only in January 1943, when the main Wehrmacht forces had been redeployed to Stalingrad. ⚔️On January 18, 1943, after fierce fighting, Red Army units finally broke through the encirclement. A narrow 11-km corridor was formed along the southern shore of Lake Ladoga, enabling the supply of the city and the evacuation of civilians. By the end of January, the Leningrad and Volkhov Fronts had pushed the enemy up to 12 km away from the Ladoga shoreline. More than 300,000 troops took part in the offensive, supported by around 4,900 artillery pieces and mortars, over 600 tanks, and more than 800 aircraft. 🎖 For courage, resilience, and heroism, around 19,000 soldiers and officers of the Leningrad and Volkhov Fronts, as well as sailors of the Baltic Fleet, were awarded orders and medals. Although the complete lifting of the blockade and the full liberation of Leningrad occurred only on January 27, 1944, the significance of the January 1943 breakthrough cannot be overstated. Soviet forces succeeded in partially lifting the siege and significantly improving conditions for the city’s residents. Just three weeks later, a railway line was built, allowing trains carrying food and ammunition to reach Leningrad – until then, the city had been connected to the mainland only by the legendary Road of Life. The risk of German and Finnish forces linking up was neutralized, and the Red Army secured the strategic initiative on the Leningrad front. #Victory81

#Victory81 🏅 On January 12, 1945, the Vistula–Oder Offensive, also known as the “Race to the Oder”, commenced. Soviet forces launched an offensive from bridgeheads on the Vistula River in Poland and, within 23 days, reached the Oder River. Crushing all resistance in its path, the Red Army advanced 500 kilometers, bringing Soviet tanks to the very outskirts of Berlin. The Vistula–Oder Offensive was launched eight days ahead of schedule at the request of the Allies, who at the time were encountering significant difficulties in the Ardennes. Not only did the Red Army save the Allies, but they also stormed and took Berlin, thus war in Europe was brought to an close by the Soviet peoples. 🎥©Russian Military Historical Society

🌟 January 7, 1942, marked the successful conclusion of the Soviet counter-offensive near Moscow. The battle became one of the decisive turning points of the Great Patriotic War and World War II as a whole. It strengthened the anti-Hitler coalition, compelling Japan and Turkey to refrain from entering the war. The German command was convinced that the main Soviet forces had already been crushed and therefore did not anticipate a major counter-offensive. As a result, the enemy faltered and was forced into retreat. The Red Army went on to liberate Kalinin, Klin, Istra, Volokolamsk, and other towns near Moscow. The counter-offensive involved more than 1 million Soviet soldiers, supported by thousands of artillery pieces, tanks, and aircraft, despite severe winter conditions reaching –30°C. Already on January 8, 1942, the maneuver expanded into a full-scale general offensive – the Rzhev-Vyazma strategic operation began. As a result of the Battle of Moscow, the Wehrmacht suffered heavy losses – up to 500,000 casualties – marking its first major strategic defeat in World War II and shattering the myth of its invincibility. The enemy forces were pushed back 100-250 km from the Soviet capital. #Victory81

#Victory81 🏅 On January 27, 1944, Leningrad was fully liberated from the fascist blockade. The Siege of Leningrad is one of the most tragic, yet heroic, chapters in human history. Hitler intended to destroy the city along with all its inhabitants. The people of Leningrad selflessly defended their city for nearly 900 days, despite enormous losses, hunger, and cold. “125 blockade grams, amid fire and blood” — that was the daily bread ration in the winter of 1941-1942. It was below the physiological minimum required for survival. According to current data, at least 1'093'000 people died as a result of the Siege imposed on the city by German and Finnish troops. ☝️ Saint Petersburg City Court recognised the Siege of Leningrad as an act of genocide against the Soviet people. 🎥©Russian Military Historical Society

🧧On May 6 this year, the Russian Embassy in Belgium, together with the Permanent Mission of Russia to the European Union, held a gala reception dedicated to the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War . The event was attended by heads and staff of diplomatic missions from more than 50 countries of the Global Majority, representative offices of international and regional organizations, clergy of the Brussels-Belgian Archdiocese, representatives of Belgian expert and cultural circles, and Russian compatriots. 💬Opening the reception, Russian Ambassador to Belgium D.V. Gonchar emphasized that Victory Day is a sacred date in the history of our country. "The enduring significance of Victory Day is difficult to overestimate. For us, it is a symbol of national triumph, national glory, but also of grief and remembrance. Victory over Nazi Germany was achieved at the cost of incredible sacrifices and heroic efforts, literally with the blood of all the peoples of the Soviet Union. Each of the 15 republics made a significant contribution, both through their participation in combat operations on the front lines and through their unparalleled labor feat in the rear, which enabled the soldiers to be supplied with weapons, equipment, and food. Russia will always cherish the memory of the great feat of the united Soviet people, honoring it as a story of valor, true patriotism, and fortitude." Speaking about the allies, D.V. Gonchar highlighted China's decisive contribution to the defeat of militaristic Japan and recalled the joint celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory Day in 2025, with the participation of Chinese President Xi Jinping in Moscow and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing. The ambassador emphasized the role of the Global Majority in the fight against global evil. He also emphasized that the USSR and later Russia never downplayed the contribution of the Allies of the Anti-Hitler Coalition to the defeat of fascism. "The same cannot be said of our Western 'friends,' who are literally trying to rewrite history before our very eyes, equating liberators and executioners, heroes and traitors. Eighty-one years ago, no one had any doubts about who won and who lost, who championed goodness, peace, and creation, and who was mired in hatred, Nazi theories, and dreams of their own superiority. Today, in Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, in violation of international and bilateral obligations, Soviet memorials are being dismantled, a former SS soldier is being honored in the Canadian parliament, and Western countries are turning a blind eye to the revival of Nazi ideology in Ukraine. This is not the kind of world for which young men gave their lives on the battlefields of World War II." 💬In turn, Acting Permanent Representative of Russia to the EU K.K. Malayan called Victory Day Russia's main holiday and one of the most significant days in human history. "We remember how, during the difficult war years, all anti-fascist forces, including the USSR, the USA, and Great Britain, were able to unite in the face of the fascist threat, despite their ideological differences. Unfortunately, today's European realities have become completely different. Our most important task is to prevent the falsification of history, which is especially important this year, as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of the International Military Tribunal in Nuremberg." 🥇As part of the event, the Russian Ambassador to Belgium, D.V. Gonchar, in a solemn ceremony, presented a personal congratulation from the President of the Russian Federation, V.V. Putin, to M.A. Volchenkova, a resident of besieged Leningrad living in Brussels, in connection with the 81st anniversary of the end of World War II. 🎞⭐Guests were treated to a photo exhibition, "Chronicler of a Great Feat: Yevgeny Khaldei," featuring unique wartime images by the legendary Soviet photojournalist. 🎶The real highlight of the evening was the creative duet’s performance of everyone’sfavorite songs from the war years . #Victory81

#Victory81 🏅 On January 12, 1945, the Vistula–Oder Offensive, also known as the “Race to the Oder”, commenced. Soviet forces launched an offensive from bridgeheads on the Vistula River in Poland and, within 23 days, reached the Oder River. Crushing all resistance in its path, the Red Army advanced 500 kilometers, bringing Soviet tanks to the very outskirts of Berlin. The Vistula–Oder Offensive was launched eight days ahead of schedule at the request of the Allies, who at the time were encountering significant difficulties in the Ardennes. Not only did the Red Army save the Allies, but they also stormed and took Berlin, thus war in Europe was brought to an close by the Soviet peoples. 🎥©Russian Military Historical Society

🎆On January 27, 1944, at 20:00 – for the first time in a long while, the evening sky over Leningrad was lit not by anti-aircraft searchlights, but by the bright flashes of a victory salute. 24 volleys from 324 guns thundered across the Mars Field, along the banks of the Neva River, and from the ships of the Baltic Fleet, marking the long-awaited end of the blockade of the hero city on the Neva. 💬From the Order of the Military Council of the Leningrad Front to the troops of the Leningrad Front, January 27, 1944: Citizens of Leningrad! Brave and steadfast people of Leningrad! Together with the troops of the Leningrad Front, you have defended our city. Through your heroic labour and unyielding endurance, overcoming all the hardships and suffering of the blockade, you forged the weapons of Victory over the enemy, giving all your strength to the cause. In celebration of the Victory achieved and in honour of the complete liberation of Leningrad from the enemy blockade, today, 27 January, at 20:00, the City of Lenin salutes the valiant troops of the Leningrad Front with 24 artillery volleys from 324 guns. 💬From the article by the Leningrad branch of TASS, January 28, 1944: The hero city, which for 28 months fought steadfastly and courageously against a ferocious enemy, has withstood an unparalleled siege and driven back the Nazi thugs. The warriors of Leningrad, continuing their offensive, are driving the enemy from our Soviet homeland. In celebration of the Great Victory and in honour of the complete liberation of Leningrad from the enemy blockade, yesterday, 27 January, the City of Lenin saluted the valiant troops of the Leningrad Front. The capital of our Fatherland, Moscow, which salutes the liberation of ever more cities, yesterday listened with special emotion to the salute – this time thundering from Leningrad itself. In the darkest and most tragic days of the blockade, the people of Moscow always stood with the people of Leningrad in spirit. They admired their extraordinary resilience and courage, shared in their ordeals, and never wavered in their belief in Victory. 468 long days still remained until the final defeat of the Nazi invaders, and the Red Banner raised over the Reichstag. Yet 82 years ago, the people of Leningrad who had endured bombardment, hunger and unimaginable suffering of the siege had every right to celebrate a special Victory. Moscow, which marked every military achievement with artillery salute, on that single occasion yielded this honour to the Northern Capital. 🏅Eternal glory to the heroes who fell in the battle for Leningrad, for the freedom and independence of our Fatherland! #Victory81

🎙Address by President of Russia – Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin at the military parade marking the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 📍Moscow, May 9, 2026 💬Vladimir Putin: I congratulate you on Victory Day – our sacred, radiant and most important holiday! We sacredly honour the legacy and behests of the soldiers of Victory. Care for the Fatherland unites our entire country and all the people of Russia, while preserving the memory of the Great Patriotic War, its true history and real heroes is a matter of honour for us. We will always remember the feat of the Soviet people – the fact that it was they who made the decisive contribution to the defeat of Nazism, saved their country, saved the world, put an end to total and merciless evil, and restored sovereignty to those states that had capitulated to Hitler’s Germany and become obedient accomplices in its crimes. June 22, 1941 is one of the most tragic and sorrowful dates in our history. This year marks 85 years since the beginning of the Great Patriotic War. The Nazis treacherously attacked the Soviet Union. They planned to seize the country and its vast resources, completely destroy its culture and our historical heritage, and ultimately exterminate, enslave and commit genocide against the entire multi-ethnic Soviet people – precisely all peoples, nations and ethnic groups of the Soviet Union. To carry out these criminal objectives, forces were gathered from across Europe. Nazi strategists seemed to have meticulously accounted for everything – except one thing: what is known as Russian character and the strength of spirit of the Soviet people. 🕯We bow our heads before those who fell in battle. Before those who were tortured under occupation and in captivity, who died of starvation in besieged Leningrad, in other encircled cities and settlements. Before all those who gave their lives for the Motherland, for Russia. We bow our heads to the memory of sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, grandfathers, great-grandfathers, husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, relatives and friends. *** The great feat of the victorious generation inspires the warriors who are today carrying out the goals of the special military operation. They are confronting an aggressive force that is being armed and supported by the entire NATO. ☝️And despite this, our heroes are advancing. Alongside Russian warriors stand workers and designers, engineers, scientists and inventors. They are carrying on the traditions of their predecessors, relying on modern combat experience to create advanced and unique weapons systems and launch their mass production. I am strongly convinced that our cause is just! We are together! Victory has always been and will always be ours! Glory to the victorious people! Glory to our veterans! Glory to the Armed Forces of Russia! Happy Victory Day! Hurrah! 🥇#Victory81