VITEBSK, 13 May (BelTA) – The Battle of Berezina of 1812 near Borisov can become the ground for creating an international memorial complex of European people to mark the 200th anniversary of the battle of the Russian army and the French army of Napoleon. This statement was made by scientific editor of the “Petrus Brovka Belarusian Encyclopedia” publishing house Nikolai Grachev at the ongoing conference “Belarus in the Patriotic War of 1812” in Vitebsk, BelTA has learnt. The Battle of Berezina was virtually the last battle of the Patriotic War of 1812. The French army of Napoleon lost about 35,000 men. The army included combatants from many European countries, including Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Italy, etc. “Today the interest in the events that happened 200 years ago is immense; therefore, the creation of an international memorial complex can be a significant project with a high tourist potential,” Nikolai Grachev is convinced. A draft design has already been developed, but so far the project has been supported solely by local historians. The idea got a preliminary positive response from the Culture Ministry; it needs state support to become a reality; the support can be provided within the framework of the Union State, Nikolai Grachev is convinced. The creation of an international memorial complex based on the Battle of Berezina should become one of the priority measures to prepare for the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the victory over the French army. Taking part in the forum are scientists and members of research centers from Belarus, Russia, Czechia, Ukraine and the Baltic states. During the two days the participants of the conference will analyze the events of the Patriotic War of 1812, share their views across a wide range of topics related to geopolitical consequences of the military conflict of the 19th century. The conference is organized by the Vitebsk Eparchy of the Belarusian Exarchate, the Vitebsk branch of the International Institute of Trade and Social Relations under the auspices of the Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee.

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