The Brandenburg Gate Ballerina - The Ukrainian Soviet Soldier Who Became a WW2 Star

🌏 Get Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ nordvpn.com/markfelton. It's risk-free with Nord's 30-day money-back guarantee!
The young Soviet female traffic regular filmed outside the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin in May 1945 has become famous since WW2 ended. But who was she? Find out here...
Dr. Mark Felton FRHistS, FRSA, is a well-known British historian, the author of 22 non-fiction books, including bestsellers 'Zero Night' and 'Castle of the Eagles', both currently being developed into movies in Hollywood. In addition to writing, Mark also appears regularly in television documentaries around the world, including on The History Channel, Netflix, National Geographic, Quest, American Heroes Channel and RMC Decouverte. His books have formed the background to several TV and radio documentaries. More information about Mark can be found at: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Fe...
Visit my audio book channel 'War Stories with Mark Felton': • One Thousand Miles to ...
Help support my channel:
www.paypal.me/markfeltonprodu...
/ markfeltonproductions
Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Mark Felton Productions. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Mark Felton Productions does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.
Credits: US National Archives; Library of Congress; TASS; Bundesarchiv.

[@MarkFeltonProductions]

🌏 Get Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ nordvpn.com/markfelton. It's risk-free with Nord's 30-day money-back guarantee!

[@SyntheticVoices]

Yes Nord VPN helped me avade....

[@mr.fishmanman]

Can you do a special to China's ww2 generals (kmt,ccp,warlords).

[@balabanasireti]

@@mr.fishmanman That sounds interesting

[@Rampart.X]

The grifter 'Professor Simon' is pushing Nord VPN in adverts disguised as serious content.

[@rinoz47]

Well as long as you've dropped a sponsor or two...

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

Sergeant Spivak was the whole package! Serious, dedicated, efficient, brave, and with a dynamite smile! And those moves! Anna Pavlova indeed! Thanks Dr. Felton for bringing her back to life even for a short while!

[@MI-mx3rh]

Typical of Churchill to perv-out on traffic girls

[@dliston1]

she was a Communist POS working for STALIN.

[@Lerxstification]

LIke many of the Russian and Polish women, they look GREAT in their twenties; by 30 they look like Stalin's housekeeper!

[@HorseshitDetectionAgency]

@@Lerxstification no. just no.

[@Jreb1865]

@@Lerxstification Without a doubt...lol

[@lewistivey]

I’ve seen footage and picture of her many times, but it’s nice to finally put a voice to her face. I’m glad she fulfilled her dream of becoming a teacher. What an inspiration.

[@mishaknopkin2199]

What BS Mark is talking. She is a Russian girl from Donetsk, and it is Russia now.

[@RhuBin02]

@@mishaknopkin2199 ussr precisely,its up to individual perspective to consider it ukranian or russian

[@manashiranidas3566]

Spivak , her confidence and pride ,absolutely captivating . She was famous among her students .... one who knows the way goes the way and shows the way.

[@Hastur876]

Now her grandchildren are getting slaughtered by the Russian Nazi regime.

[@user-nk2ux6pw6i]

Such a great girl. So happy she managed to get educated and to become a teacher after the war. Translation was really absolutely accurate, I confirm:)

[@mishaknopkin2199]

Lydia Spivak would vote on Referendum for jointing Russia again.

[@user-nk2ux6pw6i]

@@mishaknopkin2199 On Dec 1 1991 90% of Ukrainians voted for independence from the USSR. So... don't be so sure!

[@mishaknopkin2199]

@@user-nk2ux6pw6i Wrong in March 1991 70% of Ukrainians voted for staying in the USSR. And in 2022 4 regions voted to go back to Russia. She would be voted for that not for Banderas. 😁😁

[@user-nk2ux6pw6i]

@@mishaknopkin2199 Just learn the history and then don't write bullshit about Dec 1991...

[@mishaknopkin2199]

@@user-nk2ux6pw6i You are lying. This girl is Russian, and she said in Russian that she went through Ukraine and Crimea (not Ukraine) before she came to Berlin. Do you confirm that, translator? 😂😂😂😂

[@UncleTravelingMac81]

It's truly surreal to see a generation of people whom we all knew/know as mild mannered in their golden years, so young and vibrant. You could tell she was excited about the recent victory and proud of her service. What an amazing glimpse into the past. As always, thanks for sharing such a great story, Dr. Felton!

[@seanohare5488]

Yes charming

[@nriab23]

Most tv documentaries cover ww2 in very broad strokes and today quite often everything is far more sensationalised than what it used to be. This channel is so good for taking ww2 under a microscope and looking at the near endless human stories that exist out there. A true treasure of education

[@Marin3r101]

You dont think he chose a Ukrainian woman for no reason huh?

[@abdul-kabiralegbe5660]

@@Marin3r101 Oh please, stop looking for patterns everywhere. Just enjoy the video.🤦

[@nriab23]

@@Marin3r101 please.... i knew about this story prior to the war in the Ukraine and if Mark wanted to pump out pro ukraine videos he would have made this back in march or april

[@nriab23]

@@abdul-kabiralegbe5660 yeah he's or she is an idiot. I knew about this story for a long time actually and it's just coincidental that she comes from the Ukraine. Millions of soviet soldiers at the time came from there

[@bigredracingdog466]

I call these stories microhistory. You don't need to know them to understand the broad sweep of history, but they humanize and enrich our understanding of it.

[@annettehadley9718]

Well believe it or not, this video brought tears to my eyes, first of all I couldnt understand why, then it came to me, This young girl had lived a life at the age of 20, then went on to realize her dream of becoming a school teacher, what stories she must of been able to tell.... absolutely Marvelous !

[@mishaknopkin2199]

What BS Mark is talking. She is a Russian girl from Donetsk, and it is Russia now.

[@deee5520]

You aren’t the only one with tears. 🥲.

[@Cookefan59]

It hit me the same way. She was an ordinary person with ordinary as well as admirable goals whose life was suddenly turned upside down by circumstances beyond her control. She responded by contributing to the best of her ability. She suffered and sacrificed but also prevailed to the end. It’s a very touching story that even now makes me very emotional. Surprise, surprise! 😉

[@scottmeeker9971]

@@mishaknopkin2199 Ukrainians are not Nazis, wake up Misha…

[@Centurion97]

@@mishaknopkin2199 The Russians couldn't even take all of it, and what they do have won't be under their control for much longer lol. Cope harder.

[@skyden24195]

Awesome. One of the rare, brightest bits of history from that time. The interview shows Lydia Spivak as being a genuinely warmhearted person who, unfortunately, had to endure a horrific era. I love her no-nonsense commitment to her duties even while giving the interview. Her moves are very slick and graceful, with her voice being chipper and pleasant. Thank you very much, Mark Felton Productions, for this unique and surprising aspect of history. I'm going to have to watch her interview a few more times. 😊

[@seanohare5488]

Charming

[@brucekilby9957]

Great footage of Lydia. What a character and sure she would use her machine gun when necessary. Pretty and funny. Putin would not be impressed. Maybe her photo was removed from the collection of hero's of the patriotic war. RIP Lydia from Ukraine.🇺🇦☎️🍺

[@johnlane8053]

I've seen clips of her interview so many times in history documentaries and wondered about her story. Thank you for piecing it all together and telling us about her life!

[@Orbit_Corona]

Im so glad she was filmed, now she is legendary.

[@Witnessmoo]

They still have these women in North Korea… it’s cool, in a really really stupid way

[@jerryczech953]

Mark done a good job here

[@MI-mx3rh]

She was a Tiktoker of that era, wonder how the pressed like 👍 back then

[@jerryczech953]

@Blue collar Hero she was not jewish ....just Ukrainian ...very huge difference

[@carlbrown9082]

Sometimes modern social media brings forth a gem in the midst of all the dross. Dr Felton, you have a gift for sourcing these amazing historical stories. I'm really grateful. Ms Spivak was such an iconic figure and most people who've read and watched content about WW2 and especially Berlin would have come across footage of her graceful but authoritative flag signals, salute and pirouetted return to position. What made this video so poignant was the audio recording of this spirited, cheerful young woman, proudly performing her duties. May she, and all her comrades from all nations who fought in the war rest in peace. May we never, ever forget their sacrifices.

[@stevenhershman2660]

mark comes up with the most interesting stories that are often overlooked. I really enjoyed this episode.

[@DavidSnowthesnowman]

Amen to that Carl! 😃

[@andrewmccain8297]

Very well said thank you

[@jimc.goodfellas226]

There is A LOT of dross

[@Bpg5012trick]

@@jimc.goodfellas226 Of course you comment a lot of dross, at least you admit it.

[@BlueAsh-MilitaryAviation]

15 minutes ago, I knew of neither Lydia Spivak nor Maria Limanskaya. Now, thanks to Dr. Felton, I do and I am just that much more fulfilled because of it.

[@faidh8]

Hi from Kharkiv🇺🇦! Maria also been is Ukrainian. She’s real last name - Maria LYMANS’KA and she was originally born Ukrainian in family Ukrainian farmer-colonists, who moved from Ukraine to Idel-Ural region (now is part of Russian Federation and famous as “Povolzhia”). Limanskaya - it just 🇷🇺moscowiten’s transcription.

[@Yakushev85]

@@faidh8 idi nahui pidaras. kharkov russkii gorod i ti pider ebaniy eto horosho znaesh

[@faidh8]

@@Yakushev85 I don't understand your moscowiten dialect of Mongolian language

[@canuckguns]

RIP to the allied veterans who fought for our freedoms! Слава бывшим советским солдатам, они так многим пожертвовали. Любовь из Канады.

[@matthewd759]

It is sad that Lydia Spivak died young (ish). On the other hand a bit of googling has revealed that Maria Limanskaya is still alive at 98! Her Wikipedia entry says “for unknown reasons she was sometimes referred to as Anna Pavlova” - thanks to Dr Mark Felton viewers of this channel know why.

[@444mopar]

Dang Lydia looked old for a woman under 60. Must have not been a cushy life even after the war!

[@demef758]

@@444mopar After Stalin starved 4 million of her people to death, she decided to load up while she could!

[@zameion90]

@@444mopar I don't think its cushy living over there today

[@mishaknopkin2199]

Lydia Spivak would vote on Referendum for jointing Russia again.

[@kaianttila1619]

@@mishaknopkin2199 I doubt it. She was a teacher and taught Ukrainian language and literature. Russia wants to eradicate Ukrainian culture.

[@shed66215]

Think of all of the other men and women in uniform whose image was captured on film during WW2 with no or so little information known about them, you've done a great job here Mark in bringing this and her story to our knowledge.

[@dblezi]

I also think of the millions of men that have been fighting for centuries in wars that were not their own. Its the sad reality of war in general.

[@badmonkey2222]

Thank you Mark for continuing to tell the stories of people who would otherwise be forgotten and their roles in world history.

[@WhiteWolf65]

And especially now, that the young Lady soldier was Ukrainian. Slava Ukraine !

[@badmonkey2222]

@@WhiteWolf65 🇺🇦

[@fkakasumi9713]

I love the way she twirls around while doing her traffic duty. She's high on victory and hope for a better future and can't help but dance a little doing her duties

[@republitarian484]

Well after the B0wIshavik C0mmunists starved about 10 million people to death during the Youkranian Famine and then managed to "Liberate" 1/2 of Europe behind the Iron Curtain of C(o)mmunism I'm sure any future is better right?

[@gustavo042]

Better future look at world today

[@alexkalish8288]

That was a little gem Mark, I wondered about this woman. She had beauty and a strong personality - You filled a lot of blanks here. Cheers

[@Rampart.X]

How much Russian artillery pounded her sable?

[@davidearea242]

@alexkalish8288 - Felton fills the blanks...and you fire them!

[@davidearea242]

@@Rampart.X -I would have launched a salvo or two in her direction as well...!😇

[@dutchschultz3076]

I've seen her pictures so many times. Now putting a voice to her face is a treat. Thank you Dr. Felton

[@marbanak]

All questions about this unforgettable princess have been answered by you. Everything aligned "just right" for her story. Breath-taking work, Dr. Felton.

[@mishaknopkin2199]

What BS Mark is talking. She is a Russian girl from Donetsk, and it is Russia now.

[@TheZINGularity]

@@mishaknopkin2199 Nice try 🤣

[@HenryRaeburn367]

It's the ordinary men and women who won the war, I'm glad Lydia made it back home to become an inspiration to girl students, her campaign medals pinned to her chest that tells you she survived many battles

[@seanohare5488]

Charming

[@furerorban9324]

@@seanohare5488 cliche

[@russwoodward8251]

This is an incredible story. Hearing Spivak speak was amazing. What a life. Thank you.

[@eamonwright7488]

Im so happy you covered her. I've always been fascinated by the "everyday Country Girl" directing traffic at the Brandenberg gate. I first seen her in the awesome series: Blood in The Snow Episode 10. Cheers Professor Felton!

[@brianfeely9239]

Once more we see content of the highest quality from Prof Felton. Real people, real lived history. Thank you.

[@jrnvanderknaap4119]

Such a powerfull appearence, voice and moves! Thank you Dr. Felton for putting together this clip. I have seen images of her before, but this makes her really come alive!

[@mishaknopkin2199]

What BS Mark is talking. She is a Russian girl from Donetsk, and it is Russia now.

[@quan-uo5ws]

@@mishaknopkin2199 kremlin bot found lol

[@ChaplinLoli]

@@quan-uo5ws Help remove bots by never replying to their comments, but flag as misinformation. The more flags, the faster it will be removed and the bots will not get paid.

[@valuggel8972]

@@ChaplinLoli trying to deny russian minority in ukraine...you are partaking in genocide dude...now you know what average german did during nazis so maybe someting learned🙄

[@GiggleGroup]

What an absolutely brilliant story to pluck out of KZbin. This is why Mark Felton is the best.

[@benbaker2965]

Ms. Spivak performed her job with energy and pride. Being able to hear her voice just enhanced her enthusiasm. Mark, I most enjoy these stories about people during war. It brings humanity to both sides in contrast to the inhumanity of war.

[@davidcox3076]

After all that they had been through, being in Berlin at the end of the war must have been a huge relief to the Soviet soldiers. Lydia's joy and enthusiasm for doing her part really shine through in the interview.

[@mikespurg8006]

I have watched WWII films, episodes, and documentaries starting with a B&W TV since 1952-53, but this is one of the most amazing. Thanks.

[@gabriellen.2886]

I learn so many interesting things from your channel. This was truly fun and covered something I have NEVER seen in any books or films until now. God bless her and the others who served! Great story.

[@thamirivonjaahri6378]

Woman with moves which any proffessional could genuinely envy and heart so warm, not even coldness of war could extinguish it.

[@williamdudleybass9302]

Hats off to the memory of Lydia Spivak who danced at the literal Gates of Hell during the most destructive war in the history of our species. My goodness, Sir, you have done it again, rescuing the stories of long-forgotten human beings who both suffered & laughed ages ago. Would love it if you someday make a video demonstrating to us the art of your craft - what do you do to uncover & flush out such gems from the past and how. Thank you!

[@johndough1703]

Literally the Gates of Hell? LITERALLY? Is she Jesus or something?

[@bryantbridgewaters7177]

He was using loaded language my friend.

[@andyginterblues2961]

What a cutie Lydia was! My dad was disabled out after serving only a year or so in the European theater, a piece of exploding shell from a Panzer tank tore his leg apart in Anzio. He was hospitalized stateside, said it took him six months before he could walk again. So he probably never made it to Berlin.

[@spreadeagle2561]

Yep,Lydia was a gorgeous woman.

[@josefmengele181]

Wonder what your dad thinks about drag queen hour what a victory

[@JDMilitaria]

Amazing as Always Mark, What a women. May she rest in peace for being thrown into such a difficult task at such a young age, Like many soldiers at the time.

[@TheWolfsnack]

......and did so without complaint over her pronouns.....

[@uncaged1180]

@@TheWolfsnackwhat a little weirdo you are

[@burtonkephart6239]

Yes and a very good attitude and spirit especially considering she would have been 7 or 8 years old during the holomodor in Ukraine .

[@markfryer9880]

@@burtonkephart6239 I didn't think to consider that event.

[@yepiratesworkshop7997]

@@burtonkephart6239 Ruskies don't like it when people remember that these days. Probably because Putin's trying to do it again.

[@erikg.4217]

Dear sir, all of your documentary works are fascinating and most informative. This, however, has to be one of the most singularly amazing presentations. A 'slip' of a girl, if you will, at war, candidly speaking. The footage, collectively, allowing us to see some of the true nature (beyond what official censors might approve) of those troops, male, and female, that were engaged in that enormous struggle. Thank you for affording us the opportunity to view it.

[@johncox2865]

Thank you for telling me of this beautiful young heroine. This has made my day! My mother, born in 1919, also died in 1984.

[@mishaknopkin2199]

What BS Mark is talking. She is a Russian girl from Donetsk, and it is Russia now.

[@Nerub33]

@@mishaknopkin2199 фамилия украинская у неё.

[@paulholbrook7315]

What an indomitable spirit!...She'd been thru two years of absolute hell on the Russian Front, yet takes control of the interview, barking out answers then suddenly pirouetting smartly about, snapping to attention and directing the trucks thru....all with a big smile....I watched her four times, each with tears streaming down my cheeks , laughing out loud every time she executed her lightning quick maneuvers.......RIP pretty lady......Ya made my day.....

[@samueladams3746]

Remember seeing pictures of her 50 years ago in history books. Thanks for putting a story to the picture. And she’s simply adorable.

[@benisaten]

I always appreciate these individual stories of the war. Everybody has one. This was very fascinating. Cheers Dr. Felton, your videos are always top notch. ✌️ from 🇨🇦.

[@danielx8]

Maria Limanskaya was awarded the medals: "For the Liberation of Warsaw", "For the Capture of Berlin" and "For Victory over Germany". She is still alive today at the age of 99 years.

[@mlml8018]

Wow. Wonder what she thinks of what is going on with Russia and Ukraine lately

[@kevindarroch7332]

Thank you Mark. We need to remember history. My Dad, a native of Canada starting as a teenager served as a flying officer during WW2.

[@georgegaiennie3747]

This is a great story, Mark, and another wonderful video. I’ve been fascinated with the drama of the Second World War for nearly 60 years. Your KZbin work is nonpareil.

[@danielkoerner7127]

Once again, Dr. Felton, you've knocked it out of the park! Thanks for your great work!

[@MarkSeconi]

I really enjoyed this video and learned a lot. listen to the cars tooting their horns to notify their presence at the intersection during the interview. I did chuckle at the thought of Winston Churchill stopping his car and going over to say hello to a traffic-control girl. However, there was a touch of sadness at the end, when you said that Maria had died of a heart attack at only the age of 59.

[@tombergins8215]

I cried when I saw this video. Thank you so much for doing this. Now I know who she was & the story behind it. It's also amazing that there's audio. - You do an incredible job

[@657449]

Thank you. As long as her service in Berlin is viewed, she will be immortal.

[@jamesrobinson8247]

The prettiest face of world war 2. I never did know her name until now 😊 thank you Dr. Felton for bringing this to us !

[@MrGGBHTD]

Great slice of history and a great story - well done Mr Felton!

[@jasondomingo5313]

The true definition of a strong, brave and capable woman. Thank you for this little bit of down to earth story Mr. Felton.

[@cameronbrown9080]

What a fantastic lady and such a shame that she died so young 💔 😢

[@AdamBechtol]

huh??

[@johnmeyers8588]

@@AdamBechtol She passed away in her 50's. Relatively speaking, that is dying young.

[@erwin643]

@@johnmeyers8588 Not in Russia/USSR. Russia currently, in particular at the moment is collapsing with a lower life expectancy, which is part of the reason for this last-minute invasion of Ukraine. Due to collapsing demographics, this is probably the last time they'll be able to field an army.

[@Mortablunt]

At least she didn't have to see her country betrayed over to Nazi loving ingrates.

[@averagejoeschmoe9186]

I'm sure the favorite "national pass time" a.k.a alcoholism in USSR overall had nothing to do with her early passing.......

[@cobrageneral556]

Well there was many famous ukrainians in red army,Lyudmila Pavlichenko (one of the most known soviet female snipers),Ivan Kozhedub (best soviet fighter pilot),Dmytro Lavrinenko (best soviet tank gunner) and many others. Red army was very international,and in my opinion georgians,kazakhstanians,uzbeks and others also need to be known.

[@Pvt.Conscriptovich]

I doubt Mark will ever cover them.

[@balabanasireti]

Who are these people?

[@cobrageneral556]

@@balabanasireti Lyudmila Pavlichenko-one of the most famous soviet female snipers Ivan Kozhedub-best soviet and anti hitler coalition fighter pilot Dmytro Lavrienko-best soviet tank gunner

[@adeptusastartes3698]

Good old times when Ukrainians used to fight Nazis

[@canuckprogressive.3435]

I'm getting the impression that Ukraine was the best part of the USSR. No wonder Putin wants it back! Sorry Vlad, not gonna happen.

[@frequentlycynical642]

Dr. Felton never fails to surprise! Thank you!

[@markborn5293]

What a touching story. That footage is brilliant.

[@AudieHolland]

She is giving the interview while also doing her work. I can only marvel at her concentration, dedication to duty and her eagle-eyed vision. *And* she's carrying that big rifle on her back, all day!

[@zerokrm8980]

Thanks mark , i always wanted to find out who she was . Most of the best ww2 documentaries always ends with her directing traffic .

[@richardwyse7817]

was this first featured in "The World at war"?....amazing that the audio was hunted down!

[@aj4u22]

I think the first time I remember seeing her was in the BBC’s “World At War” in the 70’s on PBS. And thought how cute she was and very professional. Now I think about what she saw and suffered through directing traffic. The horrors, shelling, bodies in the street or vehicles hit and burning, she was still in a combat zone. Remember in Band of Brothers when the hospital was hit although “behind” the lines. Experiencing and seeing what she saw and then possibly going home to nothing can and will age you. Thanks for filling in the details.

[@Roundymooney]

Notice how her demeanour changes for a moment when she details how difficult her route to Berlin was. As always, thanks Dr. Mark. Another gem!

[@ARIXANDRE]

I swoon every time I watch her enthusiasm! ❤

[@BackSeatHump]

As do I!

[@kneel1]

wow she's pretty. wonder how many soldiers hearts she broke

[@markfryer9880]

Truck loads!

[@F40PH-2CAT]

Or how many had their way with her.....Russian soldiers assaulted their own women.

[@eamonwright7488]

@@F40PH-2CAT Just like in the US. For the most part women soldiers were respected. Hell they even had female NKVD "Blockers" that shot retreating Red Army soldiers.

[@carlgreisheimer8701]

@@F40PH-2CAT so true

[@carlgreisheimer8701]

@@eamonwright7488 not on the same scale as the RED ARMY.

[@eatdirtmofo]

Well done Mark, what a great subject to expand for us.

[@Bigsky1991]

On my very first trip to Berlin in 1981, I bought a poster of her in a State Run/DDR book store on Unter den Linden in East Berlin. I think I still have it rolled up in storage in Germany.

[@mig21pilot]

Thank you, Mark! Have been captivated by this young woman for 20 years.

[@mishaknopkin2199]

Lydia Spivak would vote on Referendum for jointing Russia again.

[@toddewire13]

Thank you Mark, so good to know that you keep us up on everything in history we appreciate it so much!

[@rdleahey]

SUPER documentary. Thank you!

[@Booozy3050]

Keeping History alive , and we thank you Mr. Felton.

[@388Caroline]

Fascinating, Mark! I recognized her from documentary’s but never knew about her. Thank you!

[@kantemirovskaya1lightninga30]

Excellent story Mark and Team, appreciate the human aspect missing school, etc. life being uprooted. Nice to see and keep up the good work.

[@Sleepy1988]

As I was watching the interview with her, I thought she may have been more cheerful than normal at first, only for the camera, but quickly realized that was likely not the case. She was probably very happy the war was over, riding on the happiness victory brought, like Mr. Felton said.

[@Senator107]

Wow, wonderful story. Thank you for putting this together.

[@solisprime2669]

the way she went from waving those flags to saluting in a seamless motion is inspiring I had to replay those sense a few times cause it was so cool.

[@kenl6769]

The candle that burns twice as bright burns half as long.

[@matthewbartsh9167]

Awesome video. I shared it on Twitter just now. Mark Felton is an absolute gem.

[@irishdevil1490]

That was a beautiful story about a beautiful lady in a horrific time.

[@SK22000]

I know she had some awesome stories for her students! I love these kind of stories

[@makspolikanov1433]

these stories are not for students

[@Temeraire7]

This is truly amazing work. I've been casually researching Ms. Spivak over the past decade. Seeing this all put in one place, with the different interview snippets placed together (with translation), and with the mention of the conflated entity, is truly remarkable. I can only imagine the emotions of being lucky enough to survive the entire war in the east, and then to set foot in the centre of the ruined capital of the invaders.

[@syncsummit]

Thank you for this beautiful story, Dr. Felton. I am so glad she was able to finish school and realize her dream of being a teacher.

[@thedolt9215]

Great video clip Mr. Felton! You do great work!

[@oncall21]

Now that is history! Thanks for sharing Dr Felton!

[@shieldwallofdragons]

Great video Sir! What a vibrant and cheerful person she was despite everything she and her country went thru.

[@spikespa5208]

Helps that they won.

[@mishaknopkin2199]

She is a Russian Girl! from Donetsk.

[@mishaknopkin2199]

What BS Mark is talking. She is a Russian girl from Donetsk, and it is Russia now.

[@rozkaz661]

@@mishaknopkin2199 bruh, she spent her life teaching the ukrainian language, i think she wasnt particularly russian

[@spikespa5208]

@Sanctus Paulus 1962 Just don't expect the Russian shill to listen.

[@frandsenphilip1]

Thank you for this video! I've seen clips of the traffic regulators in films I've watched about World War II and wondered if there was a story there and what they did. Great work!

[@slavsh]

Thank you Mark. As a Ukrainian myself it was very interesting to watch this amazing video. It is also very pleasant to see that somebody is reminding that Ukraine (as part of USSR) took important role in fighting against Nazi and liberating USSR and European Countries. I always feel disappointed, when modern media keep repeating that Russians (instead of Soviet people) helped to win WWII. There were so many Ukrainian heroes in this war! One of the most famous was Soviet fighter ace Ivan Kozhedub, who was born near Kiev in Ukraine. He was the most successful fighter ace among allies with more than 60 victories! It would be great if you make a video about him too.

[@julius43461]

The issue is that Russia took on the legacy. So although I agree with your sentiment, I am not sure where to place the blame when talking about Soviet union then? For example, are Ukrainians to be blamed for the sins of the empire as well? You can't have one without the other. I do understand that Ukrainians must have been pissed off many times when something at least in part Ukrainian was referred to just Russian. Like the Antonov plane in the 2012 movie.

[@joek600]

This is the result of western disregard and superiority complex towards their perceived opponents. Afew months ago most people could not find Ukraine on the map, I bet that if that video was made last year ''Ukrainian'' would not be in the title. But as its already pointed out you have to keep in mind that while embracing your rightful soviet heritage is only natural, you cant pick and choose. The current official narrative is trying to present Ukraine as a country occupied by soviet Russia, when in reality it was the second in rate SSR of the Soviet Union. So all the Cold War narrative applied to Russia today by the media, is equally applicable to Ukraine as well.

[@enriqueperezarce5485]

@@joek600 I guess a state caused famine against your people don’t count I guess.

[@joek600]

@@enriqueperezarce5485 What kind of clown argument is this?

[@olexp9017]

@@joek600 Exactly my thoughts. The power of Soviet people was in their sovietness, not in nationalism. When they lost the sovietness in 1991, they lost their power. They got nationalist, took seriously stupid Capitalist ideas like "nothing personal, just business" and today we have what we have. Former brothers are fighting against each other for the interests of the global corporations. Unsurprisingly. There is a very good book written by Boris Polevoi called "A Story about a Real Man". The famous phrase from that book is: "But you are a Soviet Man!" which means "no matter how impossible it looks you can do it". I'm very sure that Lydia would shrug her shoulders if she saw that title. And as we all see, the Cold War has never finished. I can't blame Mark as he is a product of Western propaganda.

[@coling3957]

i've read of some amusing stories of these female traffic controllers. in 1945 before the Battle of Berlin one woman was trying to direct traffic but was being hindered by soviet soldiers ( who were drunk ) particularly 2 in one truck, causing a traffic jam. she traffic controller was in a shouting match with the 2 men - one of whom was a lieutenant - until an unlikley reinforcement arrived - in the form of Marshall K K Rokossosvky with a pistol in his hand. he strode up to the truck and berated the driver, who froze in terror - while the lieutenant had completely panicked and run off to hide in the woods! ...

[@oldedinburgh6014]

Very interesting, another well made video, thanks Mark.

[@bashsharif8272]

Fascinating. History comes alive in your videos Mark, thanks for sharing.....

[@markmitin7397]

I'm fluent in Russian, so I notice certain things about the mannerism when someone speaks. 6:28 You can catch a moment when her mood changes as she recalls the beginning of the war, as it brought so many bad memories. She first sounds happy talking about her village, and her aspirations that were suddently crushed due war coming to her country. Yet her spirit remains unbroken despite the wasted years on this horrific conflict. Truly the greatest generation.

[@WingkKong]

Do you know why European have peace after Second World War Because the soviet Union did not allow the western power move a inch to the east Europe has conflict now Because the western power start moving to East again

[@paulholbrook7315]

No, it's because the US and NATO prevented stalin from sending his tanks to the English Channel@@WingkKong

[@Lerequindemort]

This channel never fails to please! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻Amazing stuff. Well done again to Mark Felton.

[@merckxy54]

Another facinating story Mark, well done, especially the translation as well!!!

[@BeesWaxMinder]

you’re keeping history alive!

[@shaggybreeks]

I have noticed this lady in a few other videos, and was impressed by her style, and hoped to see more clips of her, but dang! This is great! I guess I'm not so crazy after all, for being so impressed by her spirit and style. Great work!

[@joegordon5117]

Another excellent snippet of history, Mark, thank you. I've been aware of the iconic image since I was a boy, seeing it in various documentaries (did it feature in the classic The World at War?), but apart from the image I knew nothing about the actual woman. Glad to hear she got to return to her dream of becoming a teacher after the war.

[@user-fe6jb8mq4x]

Спасибо Вам за Ваш труд, дорогой Марк Фелтон!

[@mishaknopkin2199]

She is a Russian Girl! from Donetsk.

[@stan_p]

​@@mishaknopkin2199except Donetsk is part of Ukraine.

[@djordjemarkovic1389]

@@stan_p not anymore.

[@pluto-9047]

6:11 For a moment the background noise gave a hint of how colossal the battle of Berlin was...it gave goose bumps!

[@thevisorsusa]

Mark, I love these mini docs you make!!!

[@americanpatriotism1776]

Thank you Mark for sharing her remarkable story!!!!

[@ianmurray4081]

Awesome video per usual. Thank you for giving us a voice to this face of historical significance. I always wondered who she was and was delighted to hear that she became a teacher afterwards. Cheers 🍻, take care and stay frosty ☃️ 🇨🇦🫡🇺🇦🫡🇬🇧☃️

[@James-pt7yh]

Thankyou very much Mr Felton, the work you do is invaluable.

[@RobARug]

I have seen her in documentaries before but did not know Sergeant Lydia Spivak's name. Thank you very much for your thorough research, Dr. Felton.

[@michaeldean1289]

I wouldn’t even how many times that I’ve seen her in documentaries, and just never thought much of it. thanks again for another interesting story Mark

[@mishaknopkin2199]

What BS Mark is talking. She is a Russian girl from Donetsk, and it is Russia now.

[@ZubairKhan-vs8fe]

She has such an energy and positive outlook.

[@bbeen40]

I'm so greatful they were able to get sound. A very rare treat.

[@kittymervine6115]

she is so upbeat in her speech, you know she has been through horrible things, but the joy in doing her part and victory comes through.

[@hendriktonisson2915]

If she had not been "upbeat" enough while filming propaganda for the Soviet state she would've been sent to the GULAG.

[@Knapweed]

@@hendriktonisson2915 Some people can find a way to crap on anything.

[@hendriktonisson2915]

@@Knapweed I didn't "crap" on anything. People were sent to the GULAG for the slightest things that could be interpreted as anti-Soviet. Don't forget everything in the Soviet Union functioned on the principles of terror, fear and manipulation. It was a totalitarian society in which everything including thoughts and emotions were controlled by the state. People were not allowed to be sad, angry etc. at the state.

[@Knapweed]

@@hendriktonisson2915 Point out where she was praising the state.

[@hendriktonisson2915]

@@Knapweed She didn't but she certainly had to put on brave face for propaganda.