Vitebsk marked the anniversary of its liberation from the Nazi invaders
In late June 1944, Red Army soldiers forced the Western Dvina River and began the assault on the western part of the regional center. Throughout the night of the 25th to the 26th, the liberating soldiers fought fierce battles, driving the Hitlerites out of houses, basements, and shelters.
By morning, Vitebsk was completely cleared of German-fascist invaders. Practically nothing remained of the city: destroyed buildings, empty streets. But the main goal – freedom from the enemy's oppression – was achieved. This day became an important date in the lives of the Vitebsk residents of that generation, who were getting used to peaceful daily life anew and rebuilding their city from the ruins. Therefore, today we gratefully remember the feats of the heroes who fell in battle.
Traditionally, on the anniversary of Vitebsk's liberation, flowers and wreaths are laid at the memorial complex in honor of the Soviet soldiers, partisans, and underground fighters of the Vitebsk region. The event was attended by the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee Nikolai Sherstnev, the Head of the Regional Council of Deputies Vladimir Terentyev, and the Assistant to the President of the Republic of Belarus – Inspector for the Vitebsk Region Alexander Subbotin. Representatives of the city authorities, public organizations, and clergy, as well as hundreds of citizens, also gathered on Victory Square. The memory of the fallen was honored with a minute of silence.