Russia Marks the Anniversary of the Breakthrough of the Leningrad Blockade
Eighty-one years ago, on January 18, 1943, as a result of the “Operation Spark,” the fascist blockade ring was breached. The blockade lasted 872 days—from September 8, 1941, to January 27, 1944. This terrible tragedy claimed the lives of 1 million people, mostly due to starvation.
In the Leningrad region, a traditional rally called “On the Verge of Immortality” was organized, held at the memorial complex “Breakthrough.”
“Respected residents of the besieged Leningrad, esteemed veterans, dear citizens of Leningrad, we annually gather here, at the Breakthrough memorial complex, on January 18, the day of the Leningrad Blockade breakthrough, for a meeting we call ‘On the Verge of Immortality.’ Because the feat of the Leningraders is immortal, the feat of the Soviet soldiers of the Leningrad and Volkhov fronts, who, at the cost of their own lives, heroic efforts, and deeds, broke the blockade of Leningrad, is immortal,” said Alexander Drozdenko, the governor of the Leningrad region, at the opening. “It was important not only to ensure a more complete supply of Leningrad with food and ammunition but also to give hope to all Leningraders for victory, hope for tomorrow, hope that the blockade would be completely lifted. And it happened, but a year later, on January 27, 1944. History has not known such a numerous feat, not only of soldiers but also of ordinary citizens: the elderly, workers, and children. Leningrad stood united with the front, with the country, and the entire country worried about Leningrad. Leningrad endured and won at the cost of hundreds of thousands of lives.”
The head of the region emphasized that today, the feat of the Leningraders inspires Russian military personnel in the special military operation zone, where they fight against manifestations of Nazism and fascism. “As they said 80 years ago, our cause is just, Victory will be ours. It will be the same today,” concluded Alexander Drozdenko.
After the official part, the head of the region informally met and congratulated residents of besieged Leningrad living in the Kirovsk and Vsevolozhsk districts.
Alexander Drozdenko raised a toast for the future of the country—the youth: “I have an unusual toast—I always raise it for you, but it’s important for me and for you too. Let our young generation be as strong, let them also love the Motherland and be ready to defend the Motherland.”
Memorial events are taking place throughout the Leningrad region today.
Even in the conditions of the blockade, the city’s industry did not stop working; the people of Leningrad worked in defense enterprises, supplying the needs of the fronts and fighting in divisions of the people’s militia.
Photo: website of the government of the Leningrad region