The Windows of Victory initiative, organized by the Russian children’s and youth movement known as the Movement of the First, saw broad participation across 89 regions nationwide. This coordinated effort highlighted the strong sense of national unity and shared remembrance, drawing families, schools, and civic institutions into a collective commemorative activity.
Across Russia, the Windows of Victory campaign resonated deeply, with millions taking part in a nationwide wave of windows, facades, and public spaces adorned to honor history and valor. In the run-up to Victory Day, countless households, educational establishments, and public bodies joined the movement, while social networks amplified the surge of support through likes, shares, and heartfelt messages. The online response reached almost two million engagements, underscoring the campaign’s broad appeal and emotional impact.
Officials at the federal level, regional leaders, and influential figures in media and public life publicly acknowledged the project. The initiative received recognition from ministries and government agencies, reflecting a shared interest in celebrating heritage and fostering civic pride through a peaceful, participatory activity.
Patriotic stencil designs were displayed on the windows of notable government buildings, including the State Duma, the Ministry of Education, and Rossotrudnichestvo, among many other institutions. The campaign also touched unusual and symbolic locations, such as Father Frost’s residence in the Vologda region, the Museum and Historical Complex City of Masters in Gorodets, and the home of the legendary Soviet aviator Chkalov, known for the flight that earned him a storied place in Russian aviation history.
Public expressions of support for Windows of Victory came from high-ranking officials, including the President of the Russian Federation, the Commissioner for Children’s Rights, and leaders within cultural and international organizations. Notable voices included the Deputy Head of Rossotrudnichestvo, the director of the Historical Parks Association, and the director of the Victory Museum, along with prominent researchers, public chamber officials, and well-known media personalities. The shared message across these diverse voices reinforced the campaign’s national significance and its role in commemorating the resilience and sacrifices of past generations.
Grigory Gurov, who chairs the national movement for children and youth, noted that the spirit of the action extended beyond Russia’s borders. He observed that compatriots abroad, along with residents of multiple countries, embraced the event as an obligation to remember the heroic and somber moments when peoples united against a common threat. He emphasized that young people, inheritors of their forebears, actively participate in preserving this essential history and ensuring the memory of liberation remains alive.
From the outset, the campaign inspired personal involvement. Families and communities cut out templates, decorated windows at home and in schools, and assisted veterans in displaying Victory symbols. These grassroots efforts quickly culminated in a realization that the country had already reached and surpassed a million festive windows—an achievement that resonated as a source of pride for many participants. A Sverdlovsk Region participant recalled how pride swelled from being part of a million-strong display, reflecting the meaningful impact of collective remembrance and civic engagement.