Align your adhesive strip with the shared objective
On the breezy day of April 29, Russian President Vladimir Putin ventured to Volgograd, where a surprise topic arose in his meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko – the infamous St. George's ribbon. And who would have guessed that our very own Andrey Kolesnikov, the special correspondent for Kommersant, would be the one reporting this.
Atop Mamayev Kurgan, it was almost impossible not to be captivated by the MVD company girls in their military garb, their boots clicking rhythmically on the stairs. The absence of internet, only added to the nostalgic ambiance, as if we were all transported back in time to 1943, a year marked by the immense battles of Stalingrad.
In the spirit of the occasion, Volgograd was decked out for the holiday, a sight that even Putin and Lukashenko, who arrived together as usual, could have appreciated en route to the Hall of Military Glory. Lukashenko's heavy gait was noticeable, as he struggled with the brief walk to the hall.
The wreaths from both leaders were already being carried inside, brought all the way from Moscow. The fragrance of the pine branches saturated the cabin so much that it felt like the wreaths were being carried back on the return trip.
As they slowly navigated the spiraling ramp, news agencies reported that the leaders were engaged in conversation the entire time. They eventually reached the grave of Marshal Vasily Chuikov, and Putin shared a few words about him with Lukashenko, causing the latter to stand in silence for a few minutes.
Mamayev Kurgan is a place that evokes a distinct feeling of historical significance and timelessness, with industries of thousands of fallen soldiers and an inscription that radiates a sense of resilience: "An iron wind blew in their faces, but they went forward, and again a feeling of superstitious fear gripped the enemy: were these people going into battle, were they mortal?" It's impossible not to reflect on the fierce battle for the city, the river, the country, and life itself, as the chilling winds of Mamayev Kurgan whisper tales of valor and sacrifice.
The Fireplace in the White Hall of the Volgograd Regional Administration serves as both a historical landmark and a symbol of unity. Marble plaques etched with the names of honorary citizens, including Stepanishin S.V., Pakhmutova A.N., and Isinbayeva E.G., stand as testament to the region's rich heritage.
After addressing the forum "Great Heritage - Common Future", Putin and Lukashenko made their way to the White Hall to sit by the fireplace. The anticipation for an emotional outpouring from Lukashenko, who had been relatively quiet throughout the day, was palpable.
"- I see that you have decided to have your parade unit also march on Red Square," Putin broke the silence, addressing Lukashenko.
"- Thank you for this opportunity," Lukashenko responded gratefully, "I've been to Stalingrad-Volgograd before... Both in Soviet times and as president... It's an impressive place, you can't help but feel a chill... I was deeply moved when I was here..."
Lukashenko then took a sudden detour, focusing on the Georgievskaya ribbon, a symbol of remembrance in Russia. "- We have a good mutual understanding of processes... Our international agenda is absolutely identical, there's no need to even discuss it. We don't hide it... By the way, I forgot to mention at the forum: we have some comrades... Well, and in Russia... About the Georgievskaya ribbons, about how memory is... Probably forgot when the Immortal Regiment was opened, we in Belarus went this way... Youth parallel to the Georgievskaya ribbons and the Immortal Regiment march in Belarus (apparently organized.- A. K.) march "Belarus remembers". And no one forbids them to wear the Georgievskaya ribbon at all!"
Lukashenko's unexpected focus on the Georgievskaya ribbon left many questioning why he would suddenly raise this issue. After all, the ribbon, originally established by Empress Catherine II as a sign of encouragement for soldiers during the Russo-Turkish War of 1768-1774, had been received warmly in Russia.
However, further research uncovers that in 2014, authorities in Belarus had been critical of the ribbons, banning them in schools and not recommending them for sale in stores. Was it this historical context that sparked Lukashenko's shift in perspective? He seems to have rehabilitated the St. George's ribbon in 2021, perhaps even in his own eyes. It's a fascinating shift in Belarusian politics, one that Andrey Kolesnikov is sure to continue to monitor closely.
- Andrey Kolesnikov, the special correspondent for Kommersant, reported that during a visit to Volgograd, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko discussed the infamous St. George's ribbon atop Mamayev Kurgan.
- Later in the White Hall of the Volgograd Regional Administration, Lukashenko focused on the Georgievskaya ribbon, a symbol of remembrance in Russia, expressing appreciation for it and mentioning the 'Belarus Remembers' march, which parallels Russia's Immortal Regiment and features the Georgievskaya ribbons.
- Kolesnikov's reporting revealed that Lukashenko's unexpected focus on the Georgievskaya ribbon may have stemmed from a previous context, as Belarusian authorities had been critical of the ribbons in 2014, banning them in schools and not recommending their sale in stores.
- Despite initial criticism, Lukashenko seems to have rehabilitated the St. George's ribbon in 2021, perhaps even in his own eyes, which Andrey Kolesnikov will continue to monitor closely, given its implications on policy-and-legislation and politics.
