#GreatPatrioticWar
🗓 April 4 marks the 80th Anniversary of the liberation of Bratislava from Nazi invaders, expelled from the capital of Slovakia as a result of the Bratislava-Brno offensive operation (March 25 – May 5, 1945), which involved units of the 2nd Ukrainian Front, commanded by Marshal Rodion Malinovsky.
💬 Marshal Matvey Zakharov, Chief of Staff of the 2nd Ukrainian Front:
Before advancing on Bratislava, the front’s command established communications with Slovak partisans, who proved invaluable. They provided crucial intelligence about the German fortification system, plans for defending specific cities, as well as the strength and organisation of the enemy forces.
🏅 On March 25, Soviet forces launched an offensive on the heavily fortified city. In an effort to minimise civilian casualties and destruction, the Soviet high command opted not to use large-calibre artillery systems, primarily deploying assault infantry units instead.
By April 2, Soviet forces had entered the eastern and north-eastern districts of the city. On April 4, Red Army forces reached Bratislavsky Hrad, a fortress in central Bratislava, where the remaining German garrison was holed up. The city fell by the end of the day, with scattered Nazi units retreating towards Vienna.
Soviet authorities immediately began efforts to restore normal life in the city. Archive documents from the Russian Defence Ministry, declassified ahead of the 75th Anniversary of Bratislava’s liberation, indicate that rubble and debris had been cleared from the city’s central streets and squares by April 10, 1945. The sewage system was reactivated, and people began returning to their homes from nearby villages.
As a result of the Bratislava-Brno operation, the forces of the 2nd Ukrainian Front advanced 200 km, destroyed 9 Wehrmacht divisions and created conditions for further offensive operations towards Prague and Vienna.
The military units that distinguished themselves in the battles for the city were awarded the honorary title of "Bratislava".
A total of 6'845 Soviet officers and soldiers lost their lives while fighting in Bratislava, most of whom are buried at the Slavin military memorial complex in the centre of the Slovak capital.
Every year on April 4, this complex hosts commemorative events dedicated to the city’s liberation from Nazi invaders, with participation from Russian representatives. This year, a delegation of students from MGIMO University will take part in the event.
In total, 63'518 Red Army officers and soldiers were killed while liberating Slovakia.
***
⚔️ Simultaneously, the forces of the 3rd Ukrainian Front halted a major German offensive south of Lake Balaton in Hungary, where the German high command had deployed its best remaining tank units, amid fierce and brutal fighting.
The Red Army pursued the retreating enemy units and completely liberated Hungary by April 4.
The Wehrmacht’s further resistance was futile from a military and strategic perspective, serving only as an attempt by Hitler and his inner circle to delay their inevitable downfall by sacrificing the lives of hundreds of thousands of their compatriots.
🕯Over 140'000 Soviet officers and soldiers were killed or went missing while liberating Hungary. There are 1'231 Russian (Soviet) burial sites in the country, including 1'036 that date back to the World War II period.
#Victory80
#GreatPatrioticWar
🗓 April 4 marks the 80th Anniversary of the liberation of Bratislava from Nazi invaders, expelled from the capital of Slovakia as a result of the Bratislava-Brno offensive operation (March 25 – May 5, 1945), which involved units of the 2nd Ukrainian Front, commanded by Marshal Rodion Malinovsky.
💬 Marshal Matvey Zakharov, Chief of Staff of the 2nd Ukrainian Front:
Before advancing on Bratislava, the front’s command established communications with Slovak partisans, who proved invaluable. They provided crucial intelligence about the German fortification system, plans for defending specific cities, as well as the strength and organisation of the enemy forces.
🏅 On March 25, Soviet forces launched an offensive on the heavily fortified city. In an effort to minimise civilian casualties and destruction, the Soviet high command opted not to use large-calibre artillery systems, primarily deploying assault infantry units instead.
By April 2, Soviet forces had entered the eastern and north-eastern districts of the city. On April 4, Red Army forces reached Bratislavsky Hrad, a fortress in central Bratislava, where the remaining German garrison was holed up. The city fell by the end of the day, with scattered Nazi units retreating towards Vienna.
Soviet authorities immediately began efforts to restore normal life in the city. Archive documents from the Russian Defence Ministry, declassified ahead of the 75th Anniversary of Bratislava’s liberation, indicate that rubble and debris had been cleared from the city’s central streets and squares by April 10, 1945. The sewage system was reactivated, and people began returning to their homes from nearby villages.
As a result of the Bratislava-Brno operation, the forces of the 2nd Ukrainian Front advanced 200 km, destroyed 9 Wehrmacht divisions and created conditions for further offensive operations towards Prague and Vienna.
The military units that distinguished themselves in the battles for the city were awarded the honorary title of "Bratislava".
A total of 6'845 Soviet officers and soldiers lost their lives while fighting in Bratislava, most of whom are buried at the Slavin military memorial complex in the centre of the Slovak capital.
Every year on April 4, this complex hosts commemorative events dedicated to the city’s liberation from Nazi invaders, with participation from Russian representatives. This year, a delegation of students from MGIMO University will take part in the event.
In total, 63'518 Red Army officers and soldiers were killed while liberating Slovakia.
***
⚔️ Simultaneously, the forces of the 3rd Ukrainian Front halted a major German offensive south of Lake Balaton in Hungary, where the German high command had deployed its best remaining tank units, amid fierce and brutal fighting.
The Red Army pursued the retreating enemy units and completely liberated Hungary by April 4.
The Wehrmacht’s further resistance was futile from a military and strategic perspective, serving only as an attempt by Hitler and his inner circle to delay their inevitable downfall by sacrificing the lives of hundreds of thousands of their compatriots.
🕯Over 140'000 Soviet officers and soldiers were killed or went missing while liberating Hungary. There are 1'231 Russian (Soviet) burial sites in the country, including 1'036 that date back to the World War II period.
#Victory80
#GreatPatrioticWar
🛩On 6 April 1966, Soviet pilots Boris Kapustin and Yury Yanovperformed a heroic feat in the skies above West Berlin — they refused to eject from their falling aircraft, instead steering it away from residential areas. They perished but saved the lives of many on the ground.
Both engines of their Yak-28 fighter-bomber, equipped with experimental top-secret technology, failed mid-flight. The aircraft was en-route (returning) from the Sverdlovsk Aviation Plant, and the cause of the malfunction was later determined to be clogged fuel tubes — paper stickers had not been removed during assembly.
Beneath the stricken aircraft lay a densely populated city. Kapustin, the flight commander, manoeuvred to avoid residential neighbourhoods. He offered navigator Yanov the chance to eject, but Yanov remained on board, fearing that his departure might compromise the aircraft’s aerodynamics and lead to total loss of control.
They fought to the last moment to protect civilians, ultimately directing the falling aircraft into LakeStößensee. The Yak-28 sank, and the crew perished without leaving their combat post.
🕊 On 8 April 1966, a funeral ceremony was held to transfer the remains of the Soviet pilots to representatives of the Group of Soviet Forces in Germany. Delegations from cities across both East and West Germany came to pay their respects. Throughout the day, Germans arrived to honour the Soviet heroes.
🌟 Kapustin and Yanov were posthumously awarded the Order of the Red Banner by Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on 10 May 1966.
🙏 A memorial plaque was installed at the crash site. In Eberswalde and seven other German cities, grateful residents erected commemorative signs. On 30 March 2001, a memorial was unveiled at the aviation museum at Finow Airfield.
Their sacrifice and eternal bravery continue to live on in the hearts of those who remember to this day.
On the occasion of the Victory Day students of the UpSchool Russian language school, together with their teacher Ekaterina Protsenko, created wonderful drawings on the theme “Dreams and Stories of Our Loved Ones During the Great Patriotic War” to be presented at the exhibition dedicated to the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
We remember. We are proud.
Eternal memory to the heroes!
#Victory80#GreatPatrioticWar
#Победа80
Ко Дню Победы учащиеся школы русского языка «UpSchool» совместно с их преподавателем Екатериной Проценко подготовили замечательные рисунки на тему «Мечты и истории наших родных во время Великой Отечественной войны» для выставки в Посольстве России в Сингапуре, приуроченной к 80-летию Победы в Великой Отечественной войне.
Помним, гордимся!
Вечная слава героям!
24 апреля 2025 г. в Посольстве России в Сингапуре состоялся музыкально-поэтический вечер «Сороковые, роковые», посвящённый памяти поэтов-фронтовиков начала 1940-х годов.
Концертная программа объединила пронзительные стихи Павла Когана, Михаила Кульчицкого, Семена Гудзенко, Давида Самойлова в исполнении Александра Жигалкина, а также военные песни Владимира Высоцкого, которые исполнили артисты Александр Шпагин и Юрий Щербаков.
Мероприятие прошло в теплой, проникновенной атмосфере. В числе участников вечера были Чрезвычайный и Полномочный Посол России в Сингапуре Н.Р. Кудашев, Председатель Российско-Сингапурского Делового Совета Н.А. Волобуев, делегация Правительства Москвы, представители Российско-Сингапурского Делового Совета, Русского дома в Сингапуре, Русской православной церкви, Московского авиационного института, Русского культурного клуба, школы русского языка «UpSchool», сотрудники Посольства, российские соотечественники, проживающие в Сингапуре, их семьи, а также студенты Наньянского технологического университета.
Концерт продолжил серию памятных мероприятий в Сингапуре, посвящённых 80-летию Великой Победы.
Со словами приветствия к собравшимся обратился Посол Н.Р. Кудашев:
"Уважаемые соотечественники, дорогие друзья!
Сегодня мы собрались здесь, чтобы отметить поистине великую дату — 80 лет Победы в Великой Отечественной войне. Прошло 80 лет с той весны, когда над страной вновь взошло мирное солнце — солнце Победы. Эта годовщина — не просто веха истории, это живая память о мужестве. В ней соединились боль и гордость, слёзы и светлая радость, память о невосполнимых потерях и торжество справедливости.
Победа досталась страшной ценой — миллионами жизней, опалённым детством, израненной землёй. И чем больше времени отделяет нас от 1945 года, тем глубже мы осознаём масштаб этого великого подвига.
Не всегда нынче получается обратиться к ветеранам лично — их с нами всё меньше. Но здесь мы, их потомки, наследники Победы. Именно на нас лежит огромная ответственность: сохранить память, передать её грядущим поколениям, защитить историческую правду, которую сегодня так настойчиво пытаются исказить наши недруги. Это – наша человеческая, моральная обязанность. Потому что без памяти нет будущего.
Живя вдали от Родины, мы, как никто, понимаем эту истину. Память о Победе — это то, что объединяет всех нас вне зависимости от места нахождения, статуса, возраста. Это наша общая точка опоры. И сегодня, в непростое и быстро меняющееся время, особенно важно не потерять этот духовный ориентир.
Хотел бы выразить искреннюю благодарность всем, кто пришёл сегодня — не только разделить это торжество, но и сохранить живую связь с Родиной, с историей, с нашими корнями. И сегодня, вспоминая тех, кто не вернулся, кто отдал свою жизнь ради будущего, давайте ещё раз скажем: мы помним. Мы гордимся.
Светлая память павшим! Вечная слава героям!
И пусть всегда над нами будет мирное небо — то, за которое они отдали свои жизни.
Спасибо!"
#Victory80#Победа80#GreatPatrioticWar
On April 24, 2025, the Embassy of Russia in Singapore hosted a musical and poetic evening titled "The Fateful Forties," dedicated to honoring the memory of the poets who fought in the Great Patriotic war 1941-1945.
The program featured the moving poetry of Pavel Kogan, Mikhail Kulchitsky, Semyon Gudzenko, and David Samoilov, performed by Alexander Zhigalkin, along with wartime songs and compositions by Vladimir Vysotsky, performed by artists Yuri Shcherbakov and Alexander Shpagin.
The evening unfolded in a warm and heartfelt atmosphere. Among the guests were Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Russia to Singapore Nikolay R. Kudashev, Chairman of the Russia-Singapore Business Council Nikolay A. Volobuev, a delegation from the Moscow Government, representatives of the Russia-Singapore Business Council, the Russian House in Singapore, the Russian Orthodox Church, the Moscow Aviation Institute, the Russian Cultural Club, the UpSchool Russian Language School, Embassy staff, Russian compatriots living in Singapore and their families, as well as students from Nanyang Technological University.
The concert continued a series of commemorative events in Singapore marking the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory.
Ambassador Kudashev addressed the audience with the following remarks:
"Dear compatriots, dear friends,
Today, we gather to commemorate a truly historic occasion — the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
Eighty years have passed since that spring when the peaceful sun — the sun of Victory — once again rose over our Homeland.
This anniversary is more than just a historical milestone; it is a living memory of courage. It carries pain and pride, tears and bright joy, remembrance of irreparable losses, and the triumph of justice.
Victory came at a tremendous cost — millions of lives, a lost childhood, a wounded land.
And the more time separates us from 1945, the deeper we understand the magnitude of this great feat.
Today, it is not always possible to personally thank our veterans — there are fewer of them with us each year.
But we, their descendants, are here — the heirs of Victory.
It is our responsibility to preserve this memory, to pass it on to future generations, and to defend the historical truth, which our adversaries are increasingly trying to distort.
This is our human and moral duty. For without memory, there is no future.
Living far from our Homeland, we understand this truth more deeply than anyone.
The memory of Victory unites all of us — no matter where we are, no matter our status or age.
It is our shared foundation.
In today's challenging and rapidly changing world, it is more important than ever to hold on to this internal compass.
I would like to sincerely thank everyone who joined us today — not only to share this celebration, but also to strengthen the living bond with our Homeland, our history, and our roots.
And today, as we remember those who never returned, those who gave their lives for the future, let us say once again:
We remember. We are proud.
Eternal memory to the fallen. Eternal glory to the heroes.
May a peaceful sky always shine above us — the sky for which they sacrificed their lives.
Thank you."
#Victory80#Победа80#GreatPatrioticWar
#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
🔥❤️🔥Victory Day Reception in Singapore
On May 7, 2025, a solemn reception to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War was held at the Russian Embassy in Singapore. Representatives of Singapore's public and business circles, Ambassadors and diplomats from foreign missions of the partner countries, and Russian compatriots took part in this event.
In his welcoming address, Ambassador Nikolay Kudashev noted:
“It is a great day because it marks the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, humanism and compassion over the most inhumane ideology and practice – fascism.
The Victory’s triumphant march goes on, leaving to us – the grateful descendants – the memory of the heroic feat of the Soviet soldier, who bore the brunt of the war on his shoulders and, sparing no sacrifice, brought peace and hope to humanity.
This day continues to inspire those who today wage an uncompromising struggle against attempts to revive Nazism – with its claims of superiority, and its drive to doom humanity to grief and suffering in pursuit of dominance.
It is within our power to prevent such scenario. We present the concept of pan-continental Eurasia security framework – equal and indivisible – along with the vision of a Greater Eurasian Partnership, one that meets the economic aspirations of nations on the basis of mutual benefit, not predatory competition.”
Artist Artur Kirillov presented songs "Victory Day" and "Dark Night” in his professional performance.
Guests of the reception also had the opportunity to view the photo exhibition "Immortal Feat" prepared by TASS agency. Well-known melodies from the Soviet war films played in the background, adding to the atmosphere.
#Victory80#ImmortalFeat#GreatPatrioticWar
On April 24, an Immortal Regiment march was held at the Russian Embassy in Singapore.
Ambassador Nikolay Kudashev, Chairman of the Russia-Singapore Business Council (RSBC) Nikolay Volobuev, representatives of Moscow Government, RSBC, Russian House in Singapore, Russian Orthodox Church, Moscow Aviation Institute, Russian Cultural Club, Russian language school "UpSchool", employees of the Embassy, Russian compatriots living in Singapore and their families took part in the march to commemorate theirs fathers, grandfathers and all those who bravely foughtduring the Great Patriotic War 1941-1945.
Among participants were also students of the Nanyang Technological University of Singapore.
The event was one in the series ofcommemorative activities to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
#Victory80#ImmortalRegiment#Победа80#GreatPatrioticWar
24 апреля 2025 г. на территории Посольства России в Сингапуре состоялся памятный марш «Бессмертного полка», посвящённый героям Великой Отечественной войны.
В мероприятии приняли участие Чрезвычайный и Полномочный Посол России в Сингапуре Н.Р.Кудашев, Председатель Российско-Сингапурского Делового Совета Н.А.Волобуев, находившиеся здесь с визитом члены делегации Правительства Москвы, представители Российско-Сингапурского Делового Совета, Русского дома в Сингапуре, Русской православной церкви, Московского авиационного института, Русского культурного клуба, школы русского языка «UpSchool», сотрудники Посольства, российские соотечественники, проживающие в Сингапуре, а также члены их семей. К мероприятию также присоединились студенты Наньянского технологического университета.
Участники марша несли портреты своих отцов, дедов и всех тех, кто с мужеством сражался за Родину в годы Великой Отечественной войны.
Марш стал первым из серии памятных мероприятий, которые пройдут в Сингапуре по случаю празднования 80-летия Победы в Великой Отечественной войне.
Память о героизме и самоотверженности наших предков продолжает объединять поколения и вдохновлять на сохранение исторической правды.
#Victory80#Бессмертныйполк#Победа80#GreatPatrioticWar
On April 24, 2025, following the musical and poetic evening "The Fateful Forties" at the Embassy of Russia in Singapore, a "Candle of Remembrance" ceremony was held in honor of those who perished during the Great Patriotic War.
Participants — the Embassy staff, representatives of the Russian community and business circles, and their families — lit candles as a symbol of respect and gratitude to the heroes who gave their lives for Victory.
In an atmosphere of silence and reflection, accompanied by wartime songs, the attendees observed a minute of silence in memory of the millions who fell.
The flame of each candle became a symbol of eternal remembrance, shared sorrow, and the unbroken bond between generations.
We remember. We are proud.
Eternal memory to the heroes!
#CandleOfRemembrance#Victory80#Победа80#GreatPatrioticWar
🏅 May 6 marks 8️⃣0️⃣ years since the start of the Prague Offensive — the final major battle of the Great Patriotic War.
On May 5, 1945, with Berlin already fallen, a popular uprising erupted in Nazi-occupied Prague. In a brutal attempt to crush the resistance, Nazi forces used civilians as human shields. In the early hours of May 6, Czech fighters broadcast a radio plea to Soviet command. Responding to the call, the Red Army launched the offensive a day earlier than planned, before completing redeployment. The operation was led by forces under Marshal Ivan Konev, Marshal Rodion Malinovsky, and Army General Andrey Yeryomenko.
⚔️ On May 7, Soviet forces approached the slopes of the Ore Mountains; on May 8, they liberated Olomouc, the heart of Moravia.
On the night of May 9, with the support from the local population, Soviet forces liberated Prague from Nazi occupation. On May 10, the 1st Czechoslovak Army Corps, formed in the USSR from Czech volunteers, rolled into the capital aboard Soviet tanks.
On May 11, the Prague Offensive concluded. Nearly the entire German Army Group “Centre” was surrounded and captured — 860'000 fascist soldiers and officers in total.
🕯 The Red Army fought for 246 days to liberate Czechoslovakia. Approximately 140'000 Soviet soldiers sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the Czech and Slovak peoples.
#Victory80