Russian Consulate in Cape Town

Final Forum of the International Corps “80th Anniversary of Victory” From November 5 to 9, Moscow hosted the Final Forum of the Intl Corps “80th Anniversary of Victory.” 🌐 The event brought together representatives from 89 regions of Russia and 35 countries worldwide. South Africa was represented by Anastasia Predunova, coordinator of the Victory Volunteers movement. President of Russia Vladimir Putin, in his message to the participants of the Forum, emphasized: “It's gratifying that your movement has united many energetic and talented people both in Russia and abroad, has earned public recognition, and that the International Volunteer Corps, created with your active participation, has made a significant contribution to preparing and holding this year’s large-scale events dedicated to the anniversary of the Great Victory.” In South Africa, the volunteer team holds over 10 events annually and was officially recognized by the Organizing Committee for the 80th Anniversary of Victory. #Victory80

🇷🇺🤝🇨🇳 Consul General of Russia in Cape Town Ruslan Golubovskiy paid a courtesy call on Consul General of the People’s Republic of China You Wenze. 📌 The meeting was held against the backdrop of the visit of President of the Russia Vladimir Putin to China, giving it particular symbolic significance and underscoring the dynamic momentum of bilateral relations. 🎖 Mr.Golubovskiy extended congratulations to his Chinese colleagues on the Victory Day of the Second World War, commemorated in China on this date. Special emphasis was placed on the 80th anniversary of Victory — a milestone of exceptional historical importance for the peoples of both countries. 🤝 The conversation was held in an atmosphere of respect and cordiality, reaffirming the high level of cooperation and the shared commitment to its further development. #russianMFA#Victory80#RussiaChina#russianconsulate#CapeTown

🏅 On August 26, 1943, the Battle of the Dnieper began — one of the largest and most important battles of World War II between the Red Army and Nazi invaders, with approximately, to various estimates, 4 million people engaged on both sides. Nazi Germany’s defeat at the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943 resulted in Hitler's loss of the strategic initiative, forcing German troops into a rapid retreat westward. The German command expected that hastily erected fortifications from the Baltic to the Sea of Azov (Ostwall, or Eastern Wall) would halt the Red Army’s offensive, allowing the Nazis to retain important economic regions. The Dnieper River played a key role in their defences. According to the plan of Supreme High Command of the USSR, the forces of the Central, Voronezh, Steppe, Southwestern, and Southern Fronts were tasked with launching frontal breakthrough attacks, liberating left-bank Ukraine and Donbass, reaching the Dnieper, forcing it across a wide front, capturing bridgeheads, and preventing the enemy from organising defences in right-bank Ukraine. At the same time, the forces of the Western Front as well as the left wing of the Kalinin and Bryansk Fronts, were to advance in the Smolensk and Bryansk-Gomel directions aiming to prevent the enemy from regrouping its forces to the south. ⚔️The battle lasted four months and unfolded in two stages: • During the first stage (August–September), the Soviet forces reached the Dnieper. The greatest success was achieved by the 60th Army under General Ivan Chernyakhovsky, which broke through the German defence south of Sevsk. General Konstantin Rokossovsky, who commanded the front, subsequently directed the main strike units into the breakthrough, achieving a pivotal strategic success. In early September, the Red Army offensive spread across left-bank Ukraine and Donbass. On September 21, Soviet forces attacked from three directions, defeating the enemy’s Chernigov group, breaking the last major defensive line on the way to the Dnieper. On the same day, the soldiers of the Central Front reached the river. • The second stage (September–December) saw a fierce struggle for bridgeheads. Pursuing the Nazis, the Red Army soldiers and officers began crossing the Dnieper, often in icy water, using any available floating craft, under constant enemy fire. Despite these harsh conditions, Soviet assault groups successfully crossed the river, attacked the Wehrmacht’s positions, and established landing sites for the main forces. During the Battle of the Dnieper, the Red Army dealt a crushing blow to the main forces of Army Group South and part of Army Group Centre, fully achieving the goals set by the Supreme High Command. Over 38'000 localities, including 160 cities, among them Kiev, the capital of Soviet Ukraine, were liberated. During the 778 days of the Nazi occupation of Kiev, thousands of its residents and Soviet POWs were killed, tens of thousands of Jews were executed in the Babi Yar,t and approximately 100'000 residens were forced into hard labour in Germany by the Nazis and their collaborators – Ukrainian nationalists. 🎖 Around 400'000 Soviet soldiersand officers lost their lives in the Battle of the Dnieper. More than 2'400 people were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. 🌟 The Red Army’s victory in the Battle of the Dnieper thwarted the Wehrmacht’s plans to stabilise the front along the river, creating conditions for an offensive in Belarus and paving the way for the liberation of right-bank Ukraine and Crimea. By breaking through the Eastern Wall, the Wehrmacht lost its last opportunity to drag the war into a protracted conflict on Soviet soil. #Victory80

#Victory80 🌟 On August 5, 1941, the heroic defence of Odessa — the operation of the Red Army and the USSR’s Black Sea Fleet to defend the city from the Nazi invaders during #WWII. In the early days of Germany's aggression against the Soviet Union, Odessa and its suburbs became the frontline. By early August 1941, the enemy troops encircled the city; its glorious and heroic defence lasted for 73 days. Hitler wanted his forces to break through the Soviet defence lines along the Dniester and seize Odessa. Romanian and German troops mounted their first assault against the city on August 20, 1941, but the Red Army managed to stop the enemy offensive (17 divisions and 7 brigades) and keep them at a distance of 10 to 14 kilometres from the city’s outskirts. Up to 100'000 Odessa residents contributed to preparing the city to fight against the Nazis. Home front workers, including women and teenagers, put enormous efforts every day to build defensive structures: digging trenches, installing barbwire, and erecting barricades. The city’s defenders planted 40'000 mines and dug over 250 kilometres of anti-tank ditches. Almost 38'000 Odessa residents moved to the catacombs to launch a resistance movement behind the Nazi lines. The partisans destroyed 5'000 enemy soldiers and officers, derailed 27 enemy trains carrying military assets, and bombed 248 vehicles. Although the enemy outnumbered Odessa’s defenders, they deterred the Nazi invasion for two months. Owing to their courageous efforts, the Supreme High Command managed to redeploy substantial military forces and equipment to defend Crimea and Sevastopol — Black Sea Fleet’s base. According to varying estimates, the enemy lost over 160'000 soldiers and officers, approximately 200 planes and some 100 tanks in the Battle for Odessa, which made it harder for the Nazi Army Group South’s right wing to advance further east. 🎖 On May 1, 1945, Odessa became one of the first Hero Cities alongside Leningrad, Stalingrad, and Sevastopol, as per an executive order of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. #WeRemember#GreatPatrioticWar

🎙Briefing by Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova(Moscow, May 6, 2025) 🔹 The decisive role of the Soviet Union and the Red Army in defeating Nazi Germany and lessons drawn from history 🔹 Celebrating the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War in Russia and around the world 🔹 Ukraine crisis 🔹 Kiev regime crimes 🔹 On Stephane Dujarric’s comments 🔹 On Argentina’s authorities declassification of documents regarding Nazi presence in the country 🔹 NATO-Georgia command and staff exercise 🔹 Russia's EMERCOM assistance to friendly Iran in fighting the Shahid Rajaee Port fire 📰Read 📺Watch *** #Victory80 We will foreverremember the price we paid for Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Unlike countries of the Western Europe overpowered by Nazis, the Soviet Union did not succumb to Nazis who planned to exterminate us all. We faced a war of annihilation. For decades after Nuremberg, this was never questioned. Now, we are forced to prove that it was genocide. The peoples of the Soviet Union not only defeated the Wehrmacht, but also brought life, liberation and salvation to the peoples of Eastern and Central Europe. The Red Army, the Soviet soldiers halted the Nazi extermination machine in its tracks and extinguished the Holocaust crematoria. Those who deny this are clearly supporting the resurgence of Nazism and the rise of neo-Nazism. In a futile attempt, the embassies of the Kiev regime and its Western patrons are trying to propagate deep-rooted falsehoods that defy history. In their hatred, Ukrainian diplomats go so far as to equate the Soviet Union (homeland of their forefathers) with the Third Reich. <...>What they are doing causes nothing but indignation and disgust. Fathers and grandfathers of many of them, including the ringleader of the Kiev junta Zelensky, were front-line soldiers who fought for the common Soviet Motherland against Nazi invaders and criminals. What would their ancestors say, looking them in the eye, seeing their descendants who, for the sake of personal gain or a pat on the shoulder from their Western master, smear their own past and betray their own history? #KievRegimeCrimes The Kiev regime has really pushed the limits in its so-called de-communisation policy. It now advises Great Patriotic War veterans living in Ukraine – as unbelievable as this may sound – to conceal the war-time decorations they earned for winning the war, for the battles they fought and the feats they accomplished during the Great Patriotic War. They are being told to wear their decorations on the inside of their jackets so that they do not cause any misgivings to those around them who might somehow be disturbed. They referred to them as "sensitive people" without going as far as calling them Russia-haters, but there is no doubt that this is what they had in mind. How can this be? And how do we frame this posture? This is a deliberate effort to sneer at these people, mock and disparage them. The Kiev regime now wants the real heroes not only to stay in the shadows, but to stage their self-annihilation of sorts so that they keep their heads underwater without even daring to show their decorations and medals. It is quite obvious that the Kiev regime views those who saved the world from Nazism with fear, hatred and resentfulness. #UN#DoubleStandards During his regular media briefing, Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric made yet another outrageous comment regarding the situation in Ukraine. The UN Secretary-General, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and some other UN agencies are not averse to seizing on even the most absurd accusations against our country. #Georgia#NATO The Alliance is continuing with its policy of drawing South Caucasus republics into its orbit. It should be clear to everyone that NATO’s actions in the South Caucasus are not aimed at enhancing security but at creating a zone of instability and military-political tension in the region.

🕊️🎖️Victory Day in Cape Town #Victory80#WeRemember

🎆 The celebrations of the 80th Anniversary of the Victory over Nazism concluded with a dazzling display of fireworks across the country. The sky over Moscow was lit with vibrant colours and figures, bringing the celebrations to a spectacular close. Thousands of people — Muscovites and the Russian capital's guests alike — gathered in large crowds, smiling and applauding to the breathtaking pyrotechnic show. #Victory80

🎖️Commemorative Event Marking the 80th Anniversary of Victory in World War II Held at the Castle of Good Hope On 9 May 2025, a solemn commemorative event marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in World War II was held at the historic Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town. The ceremony was attended by representatives of South African political forces, ANC veterans, the command of the South African National Defence Force, Russian compatriots and members of the general public. 🕯️The event opened with welcoming remarks by Mr. Calvin Gilfellan, Director of the Castle of Good Hope, featured interfaith prayers, performances of the national anthems of the Russian Federation and the Republic of South Africa, and a ceremonial march by an honour guard of the SANDF. A moment of silence was observed in memory of those who perished during the war. In his address, the Consul General of Russia in Cape Town, Mr. Aleksei Malenko highlighted South Africa’s contribution to the Allied Victory over Nazism, noting the participation of South African servicemen in the ranks of the anti-Hitler coalition. He also shared a personal family story related to the tragic events of the Great Patriotic War, emphasizing that the memory of the heroism and sacrifices of that generation is carefully preserved in every Russian family. Keynote speeches were also delivered by Mr. Marius Fransman, former Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, and Chief Zenzile Khoisan, leader of the Khoisan people. Both speakers underscored the historical parallels between the fates of the peoples of South Africa and Russia and emphasized the importance of international solidarity in the face of injustice and aggression. 📽️As part of the cultural programme, premiere of the documentary film “Legacy of Hope. Freedom Through Solidarity: The Russia–Cuba–South Africa Chapter” was held. Directed by Marius Fransman, the film resonated strongly with the audience. ❗️The screening was followed by a lively discussion focused on the modern relevance of the lessons of World War II and the imperative to preserve historical truth. 🤝The commemorative event at the Castle of Good Hope served as a meaningful contribution to the preservation of the memory of the peoples’ heroism in defending freedom and justice, and reaffirmed the enduring relevance of historical dialogue and international humanitarian cooperation. #Victory80#RussiaSouthAfrica

💐 President of Russia Vladimir Putin, joined by the Heads of foreign states and leaders of international organisations who had come to Moscow to attend the celebrations marking the 80th Anniversary of Victory,laid flowers in a solemn ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Alexander Garden. 🌟#Victory80

🏅Remarks by President of Russia, Supreme Commander-in-Chief, Vladimir Putin at a military parade marking the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War (May 9, 2025) 💬President Putin: Citizens of Russia, veterans, guests, comrade soldiers and sailors, sergeants and sergeant majors, midshipmen and warrant officers, comrade officers, generals and admirals! I congratulate you on the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War! Today, we are all united by the feelings of joy and grief, pride and gratitude, and admiration for the generation that crushed Nazism and won freedom and peace for all humanity at the cost of millions of lives. We faithfully preserve the memory of those historic, glorious events. As the heirs of the victors, today we celebrate Victory Day as the most important holiday for the country, which the entire nation, each family, each of us holds dear. <...> We remember the lessons of WWII and will never agree with the distortion of those events or attempts to justify the murderers and slander the true victors. Our duty is to defend the honour of the Red Army soldiers and commanders, and the heroism of fighters of different ethnic backgrounds who will forever remain Russian soldiers in world history. ❗️ Russia has been and will continue to be an indestructible obstacle to Nazism, Russophobia and anti-Semitism, and will stand in the way of the violence perpetrated by the champions of these aggressive and destructive ideas. Truth and justice are on our side. The whole of Russia, our society and all people support the participants in the special military operation. We are proud of their courage and spirit, and their steely determination that has always brought us Victory. The Soviet Union bore the brunt of the enemy’s most savage and relentless assaults. Millions of people, once devoted solely to peaceful labour, took up arms and stood firm to the death on every hill, bridgehead, and defensive line. The outcome of WWII was determined by decisive victories in major battles of Moscow and Stalingrad, on the Kursk Bulge and the Dnieper River, by the courage of the defenders of Belarus, who were the first to face the invader, by staunch resistance at the Brest Fortress and in Mogilev, Odessa, Sevastopol, Murmansk, Tula and Smolensk, by the heroism of the residents of besieged Leningrad. <...> The contribution of the peoples of Central Asia and the South Caucasus was immense. From these regions came a steady flow of trains delivering everything the front needed. Hospitals were established, and hundreds of thousands of evacuees found a second home there. <...> We honour every veteran of the Great Patriotic War and bow our heads in remembrance of all who gave their lives for Victory. <...> We bow our heads before our fallen comrades-in-arms who laid down their lives as heroes in a righteous battle for Russia. Nearly 80% of the world’s population were drawn into the fiery orbit of WWII. The complete defeat of Nazi Germany, militarist Japan and their satellites around the world was achieved through the combined efforts of the Allied Nations. ☝️ We will never forget that the opening of the Second Front in Europe, which took place after the decisive battles in the territory of the Soviet Union, hastened Victory. We highly appreciate the contribution made to our common struggle by the Allied armies, members of the Resistance, the courageous people of China, and all those who fought for a peaceful future. We will continue to look up to our veterans, taking example from their wholehearted love of the Motherland and commitment to defending our homeland and the values of humanism and justice. We will give these traditions and this great heritage the biggest place in our hearts and will pass them on to future generations. We will always rely on our unity in battle and in peaceful endeavours, in striving for strategic goals and tackling problems for the benefit of Russia and its greatness and prosperity. Glory to the victorious nation! Happy Victory Day! Hurrah! #Victory80

🔴#LIVE from the #RedSquare: Parade marking the 80th Anniversary of the Victory over Nazism 🔴X (ex-Twitter) 🔴Ruptly #Victory80#Parade

#Victory80 🌟 80 years ago, on May 9, 1945, at 0:43 am Moscow time, the Instrument of UnconditionalSurrender of the Nazi Germanywas signed. This historic document marked the Soviet Union’s Victory in the Great Patriotic War, brought an end to #WWII in Europe, signalled the final collapse of Nazism. *** Earlier, on May 2, 1945, following the fall of the Reichstag — the main Nazi stronghold — and the surrender of the Berlin garrison, the Red Army completed its successful operation to capture Berlin. The Soviet forces crushed Nazi resistance, taking full control of the Nazi government headquarters, including Hitler's Reichskanzlei (Reich Chancellery) and bunker. Germany’s final & unconditional surrender to the Allies was preceded by several local capitulations of the Nazi troops along various fronts. Moreover, in April 1945, certain Nazi military leaders, who were aware that the Third Reich’s collapse was imminent, fearing justice for their crimes, sought secret talks with Anglo-American forces, trying to divide the Allied anti-Hitler coalition. On April 29, just before the surrender of the Berlin garrison, the Nazi troops surrendered in Italy. Days later, on May 4, the Wehrmacht capitulated in the Netherlands, Denmark, Schleswig-Holstein, and Northwest Germany. On May 5, German troops also laid down their arms in Western Austria. 👉 Desperate to surrender to the British-American forces, on May 5, the Nazi delegation arrived in the French city of Reims, where the headquarters of the Allies' command was located. There, on May 7, the Act of Military Surrender was signed. Article 4 of the document did not rule out the signing of another, definitive act: “This act of military surrender… will be superseded by any general instrument of surrender… applicable to Germany and the German armed forces as a whole.” Due to that, the Soviet leadership deemed the Reims document only as a preliminary instrument, believing that the official surrender of the Nazis had to be ensured in Berlin, the city where the Nazi aggression originated from. At the Soviet government’s request, a second and final ceremony of surrender took place. ✍️ In the early hours of May 9, 1945, at 0:43 Moscow time (22:43 CET), the final and definitive Instrument of UnconditionalSurrender of the Nazi Germany was signedat the ceremony in #Karlshorst, Berlin. The surrender was accepted by Marshal Georgy Zhukov on behalf of the Soviet Union and Deputy Commander of the Allied forces Marshal Arthur Tedder on behalf of the Western Allies. From the German side, the Instrument was signed by Field Marshal Wilhelm Keitel, Colonel General Hans-Jurgen Stumpff, & Admiral Hans-Georg von Friedeburg. With the Instrument being signed, the Nazi government was officially dissolved, the defeated German military laid down arms. 🖋 From the memoirs by military correspondent Konstantin Simonov: 💬 “Zhukov stands up and says: “The German delegation may leave the hall.” The Germans stand up. Keitel… turns on his heel and leaves. And instantaneously, all tension in the room relaxes, and everybody exhales in unison. The act of surrender has been signed, and the war is over.” On May 9, 1945, at 2:10 am Moscow time, announcer Yury Levitan read out the Instrument of Unconditional Surrender of Nazi Germany & the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR declaring May 9 Victory Day. From that moment forward, the Soviet Union and later Russia, as well as the most former Soviet republics have celebrated Victory Day on May 9. 🎙 An excerpt from a briefing of Russian MFA Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, May 6, 2025: 💬 "The peoples of the Soviet Union not only defeated the Wehrmacht, but also brought life, liberation and salvation to the peoples of Eastern and Central Europe. The Red Army, the Soviet soldiers literally stopped the Nazi extermination machine in its tracks and put out the crematoria of the Holocaust. Those who deny this are clearly supporting the resurgence of Nazism and the rise of neo-Nazism". 📖Learn for more in our in-depth historical delve.