News - St. Petersburg Honors Leningrad Siege Breakthrough Anniversary

In a poignant tribute, St. Petersburg commemorated the 83rd anniversary of the breakthrough of the Leningrad siege on Sunday. Known for being one of history’s most harrowing sieges, the blockade saw over one million casualties as Leningrad, now St. Petersburg, was besieged by Nazi forces and Finnish allies from September 8, 1941, until its relief on January 27, 1944. The city honored this historical milestone with solemn ceremonies and floral tributes. Governor Alexander Beglov, alongside other dignitaries, participated in flowers being laid at the Monument to the Heroic Defenders of Leningrad. Reflecting on the historical significance, Beglov stated, 'The breakthrough of the Leningrad blockade will forever remain an example of resilience, courage, and heroism for us.' Events included the 'Leningrad Victory Ribbon' campaign, a poetry marathon at a youth venue, and schoolchildren maintaining honor guard at the Piskaryovskoye Memorial Cemetery. The city's landscape was further illuminated with ceremonial flames, commemorative bridge colors, and 'Rays of Victory' searchlights at Victory Square.