Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Soviet War Memorial in London, 27 January, 2024

On the 80th anniversary of complete liberation of Leningrad from the Nazi blockade, Ambassador Andrei Kelin, Military Attaché Maxim Elovik, Russian diplomats and compatriots laid wreaths and flowers at the Soviet War Memorial in London.
Excerpts from the Ambassador Andrei Kelin's address:
▪︎The full liberation of Leningrad from the blockade is an event that rightfully enshrined in the world history.
▪︎The Nazis and their collaborators attempted to erase Leningrad from the face of the earth and completely annihilate its population, destroying food supplies and blocking supply routes. These plans failed.
▪︎In today's tense political atmosphere in several Western capitals, including in London, calls to prepare for war with Russia in an uncertain future have been heard.
▪︎Living with illusions is dangerous, it is necessary to learn and remember the lessons of history. No one has ever managed to prevail over us. A good example of this is the liberation of Leningrad.
▪︎We know that the memory of this event lives in the hearts of many Britons. They well remember the decisive contribution of the Soviet Union to the victory over fascism, achieved in alliance with Great Britain.
▪︎Accepting credentials from the new British ambassador in Moscow, President of Russia Vladimir Putin emphasised that the interaction between two countries during those difficult war years "laid the foundation for the modern system of international relations."
▪︎Remembering the past, we must think about how to move away from confrontation and build a renewed system of relations based on equality and mutual respect for security interests.
***
On the 80th anniversary of complete liberation of Leningrad from the blockade, Russian diplomats also awarded medals to Great Patriotic War veterans residing in the United Kingdom.
Memorial events were also held by Russian compatriots in Manchester, where in September 2020, a memorial stone was erected in honour of Soviet soldiers and residents of besieged Leningrad.
#Victory79 #WeRemember

[@angelaamis424]

Thank you for this remembrance and for your words Ambassador - as people of this land we apologise for the actions and statements of those we sincerely wish were not in our government since our only desire is for lasting peace with the people of your country and throughout the world. We pray for peace.

[@davidofengland9557]

Respect

[@janmarsh]

I didn't know Putin lost an older brother and his Father fought in the Leningrad siege. 🙏

[@user-rp2li7ks4e]

Pobieda

[@TheOverlord2010]

RIP.

[@daniellacutter301]

Thank you for fighting fascism Russia and all soviet soldiers.

[@olgasokolova4582]

Вечная память всем павшим соотечественникам!

[@just4visit]

никто не забыт, ничто не забыто!

[@stefaniabrazzi1358]

😢😢

[@GDSVID]

Thank you for your bravery and your service…Respect to you all brothers RIP…❤❤❤ Mother Russia and Mr Putin you still have alot of friends here in the UK…

[@Putins_shirt]

Thank you Russia for all your sacrifices saving the world from fascism in ww2.

[@andriipraizner]

Lol