Journalists from Russian and allied media visited the Vitebsk region as part of a press tour of Belarus
The key event of the three-day trip was the Victory Day parade in Minsk. In addition, foreign journalists visited a number of important sites. In addition to military topics, they were interested in issues of ethnography and patriotic education of the younger generation.
– On the first day, participants were told about the "Trostyanets" death camp, they visited the Institute of History of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, and learned a lot about Belarusian-Russian research projects, – says Dmitry Novikov, head of the department of the National Press Center of Belarus. – We often conduct press tours related to military topics. The priority is the most popular routes, and this time we focused on the Vitebsk region. There is something to show and tell readers and viewers here.
Begoml is an amazing settlement, in the history of which the war left an indelible mark. At the Museum of National Glory, journalists from federal and regional Russian media bombarded local historians with questions, shot video reports, and looked for interesting angles for photographs.
– The theme of courage, resilience, and heroism of Soviet soldiers, partisans, and underground fighters is of interest to a wide range of readers, – continues Dmitry Novikov. – Without delay, journalists write materials right on the road, publishing them on websites and social networks under one hashtag.
The excursion around the Vitebsk region continued in the Ushachi district. The guests visited the Vasil Bykov House-Museum in the village of Bychki, where they were told about the difficult fate of the national writer of Belarus. Then, the journalists visited the memorial complex "Proryv" (Breakthrough), dedicated to the breakthrough of the blockade of German-fascist troops by 16 partisan detachments.
Pavel Sidoruk, correspondent for the newspaper "Kabardino-Balkarskaya Pravda", Deputy Chairman of the Council of the Kabardino-Balkarian Public Movement "For Unity - "Syabry":
– I am delighted with the Begoml museum and how carefully you preserve the memory of the partisans. I was impressed by the attitude of the museum staff towards their work, their sincerity, warmth, and knowledge of the subject. The memorial complex "Curse of Fascism" made an indelible impression on me.
By the way, I am a native of Belarus; my small homeland is in the Brest region. My father was a front-line soldier and reached Berlin. I know a lot about the war, I read and am interested in it. In Kabardino-Balkaria, I am participating in a project to restore the names of those who died in those years.
I have participated several times in press conferences held by the President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko. I love your country very much!
Igor Yagubkov, blogger, Perm:
– I write about industry in Russia and neighboring countries. In particular, in Belarus, I have visited about 20 major enterprises. I have many regular subscribers, including representatives of various professions. And I see that they are interested in materials about Belarus, about your attractions, and historical heritage.
This is my first time in the Vitebsk region thanks to the press tour. I like everything: the nature, the hospitality of the local residents, and the history of your cities and villages.
I got so carried away that, honestly, I didn't even notice that the excursions were conducted in Belarusian. Everything was understandable. It's a pity there wasn't much time, but what I saw touched me deeply, especially the theatrical performance at the "Curse of Fascism" memorial complex. I have never seen anything like it before. Schoolchildren from Novopolotsk and representatives of the Youth Chamber were present with us.
Special correspondent of MIA "Russia Today" Karina Ivashko:
– This is not my first time in your country; it is always warm and soulful here, and one wants to return. This press tour is dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Belarus from the fascists. The story of how they treated civilians cannot leave anyone indifferent. In Begoml, I hid behind my glasses, but tears streamed down my face because this whole story is incredibly moving. The entire land here is saturated with grief. But it is gratifying that the people in Belarus are cheerful and have a desire to live for those who did not reach the end of their journey.
Lyudmila Vorobyova, Deputy of the Legislative Assembly of the Tver Region, and her assistant Alexey Shlyakov represented the newspaper "Proletarskaya Pravda" and the information portal "Tver 24".
Lyudmila: We visited the museum-estate of Vasil Bykov. Of course, I have read his books and watched films based on his works. But I was so struck by the story of his life: both that he was a child prodigy at school – he completed three years of study in one year, and that he survived more than once when everyone thought he was already gone. His entire biography suggests that perhaps God protected him for the Belarusian people and for all of us in general, so that he could tell us about the war.
Alexey: Belarusians have nothing to be ashamed of before their ancestors. Both cultural traditions and historical monuments, including those related to the heroic struggle and the partisan movement, are preserved in the country. Moreover, these sites are in excellent condition; it is evident that they are well-maintained. And most importantly, the younger generation is instilled with respect and love for their past and a careful attitude towards it.