Russian President Vladimir Putin visited a solemn memorial site on the Nevsky Patch, where a Border Stone monument stands to mark a pivotal moment in the siege of Leningrad. The visit, as reported by the Telegram channel Kremlin.News, commemorated the 80th anniversary of the complete lifting of the blockade and offered a moment for reflection on the city’s endurance during World War II.
Nevsky Piglet, a symbolic marker on the left bank of the Neva River, represents the stubborn resolve of Soviet defenders during the winter of 1943. It has long stood as a symbol of the courage and steadfastness shown by troops who held the line against the German assault and who participated in Operation Iskra, the January 1943 operation that opened a corridor to the besieged city.
In footage circulated on the same Telegram channel, the president is seen approaching the monument with a bouquet of red roses offered by an escort, then kneeling briefly to place the flowers. He stands in quiet contemplation beside the Line Stone, allowing a moment of stillness to pass before moving away. The scene captures a ceremonial gesture that reflects remembrance and the gravity of the historical milestone.
As the president steps back toward his vehicle, a trumpet signal from a guard of honor accompanies the moment, playing a composition tied to the memory of the siege. The atmosphere in the frame conveys restraint and solemn respect for the events that shaped the city and its people during those years of hardship and sacrifice.
Historically, January 27, 1944, marks the day Soviet forces completely broke the blockade of Leningrad, ending a period of 872 days of siege. The endurance of civilians and soldiers during that time remains a defining chapter in the city’s history, and it continues to be observed across the country as a reminder of resilience and unity in the face of adversity.
Vyacheslav Volodin, who previously served as Chairman of the State Duma, addressed Russians on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the blockade’s lifting. The remarks emphasized collective memory and the ongoing importance of acknowledging the sacrifices made during the siege, urging current and future generations to remember the past with a sense of national responsibility.