In honor of the 81st anniversary of the complete liberation of Leningrad from the Nazi blockade, commemorative events were held in Paris and Belgrade, bringing together young people from Russia, France, and Serbia.

The initiative, known as "Siege Bread," has become an important part of international cultural exchange, uniting participants from the Komi Republic, Leningrad, and Samara regions and Russian expatriates living abroad.

The International Friendship Club organized the event with the support of the Youth Policy Committee of the Komi Republic. This club was established in 2024 under the directive of Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of the World Youth Festival and has since played a crucial role in strengthening international ties.

As part of the initiative, participants attended lectures on the lives of Leningrad residents during the blockade, as well as the heroism and resilience of the city's defenders. A moment of silence was observed in honor of the victims of these tragic events, which left an indelible mark on history. A particularly symbolic moment was the distribution of a 125-gram piece of bread to each attendee—representing the daily ration that Leningrad citizens received during the darkest days of the siege.

Organizers emphasized that initiatives like this help younger generations comprehend the scale of the tragedy, understand the price of victory, and preserve the memory of those who endured the blockade.

One of the key highlights of the event was the opening of a multimedia exhibition, "Salute Over the Neva," in Paris, prepared by the Victory Museum. The exhibition featured rare archival materials, photographs, and documentary footage showcasing the courage of Leningrad residents during World War II. These historical records were provided by the Central State Archive of Film and Photo Documents in Saint Petersburg.

Tatiana Bokova, head of the National Committee for the World Youth Festival in France, underscored the importance of preserving and sharing this history:

"It is crucial to educate younger generations, including those abroad, about the Siege of Leningrad. This tragedy and the heroism of its survivors are an essential part of world history. I extend my gratitude to the Russian House in Paris and the International Friendship Clubs for their invaluable support in organizing this meaningful event."

The initiative also resonated with Serbian youth. Danilo Danilović, head of the Youth Sector of the Coordinating Council of Russian Compatriot Organizations in Serbia, emphasized the role of such events in strengthening cultural ties and preserving historical truth:

"Serbia, like the Soviet Union, paid a high price for its freedom. We remember and honor our shared sacrifice. Initiatives like this help preserve historical truth and pass it on to future generations."

The "Siege Bread" initiative not only commemorates the resilience of Leningrad but also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of international remembrance and solidarity in the face of history’s greatest challenges.