We are true to memory. A civic-patriotic event was held at Victory Square in Vitebsk
October 27, 2025
Participants of the Union State School Olympiad, jury members, delegation leaders, and organizers laid flowers at the Eternal Flame near the Memorial Complex in honor of the Soviet soldiers-liberators, partisans, and underground fighters of the Vitebsk region.
The students noted that they will always honor the feat of the generation of Victors. The memory of the fallen heroes was honored with a minute of silence.
The second day of the program promises to be eventful. Today, the solemn opening ceremony of the Olympiad "Russia and Belarus: Historical and Spiritual Community" will take place. Then, high school students will continue preparing for the rounds.
Jury Chairman Vasily Rusetsky:
– This is a key event: by tradition, the Union State Olympiads always begin in such landmark places of the cities where they are held. In different years, these were Smolensk, Moscow, Gomel, and Polotsk. For the first time, the Olympiad is held in Vitebsk. We are indeed in a place that is significant not only for the people of Vitebsk but for all Belarusians – Victory Square. I think it is very important for the younger generation to receive those supports and bonds that shape their future lives, regardless of what they will do later.
Alina Maslova, co-chair of the Olympiad, Doctor of Philology, Professor at the N. Ogarev Mordovian State University:
– It is very important that the Olympiads of Russian literature begin with such a significant patriotic event – a civic-patriotic action on Victory Square, which contributes to spiritual unity, patriotic education of youth, the formation of a civic stance, and the strengthening of spiritual and friendly ties between the two closely related Belarusian and Russian peoples. And I am grateful that such a tradition is honored, and that young people see how valuable it is for different generations.
Young people who have already shown the best results at regional Olympiads and, in Russia's case, at the All-Russian School Olympiad have come to Vitebsk. The Union State School Olympiad is interesting and unconventional. Here, there is an opportunity to express oneself creatively, orally, and in writing. I think it is very important for Russian students to get acquainted with a new culture. It is important for Belarusians to see different regions of Russia. Therefore, this is a true intellectual celebration of Russian literature. Of course, victories are important, but friendship is also important. Intellectual communication and gaining new knowledge at the wonderful master classes organized by the hosts of the Olympiad are important. All of this together shapes the worldview of the children and gives them an incentive for spiritual growth.
This is my first time in Vitebsk, but I have been to Belarus before, for example, to Minsk. And in a short period, I managed to see the city center. Belarus is very close to my heart; I have relatives in Minsk, so for me, it is a special country, and I have a particularly warm attitude towards the Belarusian people.
Kira Pakhomova had the opportunity to visit Belarus for the first time thanks to the Olympiad. The girl was among the students representing the Kursk region.
– For me, this is not just an Olympiad, but also a great journey. After all, coming to another country is very interesting and educational. I would like to get to know the guys from Belarus better (I'm sure we'll have such an opportunity) in order to establish contact and continue communicating after the Olympiad.
Yesterday, during an excursion, we walked around the center of Vitebsk. I can say that it is a very beautiful city, especially its center. Interesting landscapes! I especially liked the Kirov Bridge and the views that open from it.
Marina Sharoyko, chaperone and coach of the team from the Krasnodar Territory:
– In recent years, in our schools in Russia, many events of a military-patriotic theme have been held, "talks about important things," and others. We understand the relevance of the topic of history, which is now being distorted in every possible way, thanks to the possibilities of the Internet. We need to lay the foundation of our memory. The Olympiad is very important in this political context as well.
This is our first time in Vitebsk. The beauty of the city, its cleanliness, and very friendly people are striking. This is the impression of everyone we have managed to meet: an open soul, a smile, and warmth.