The Great Patriotic War was the epitome not only of terrible losses and tragedies, but also of bright moments such as the hope of surviving everything because of everyone pulling together in a time of crisis.
This year, however, it is unclear how the 75th anniversary of Victory Day will be marked due to the coronavirus pandemic raging across the globe, but hope remains that Russia and the rest of the world will get through these trying times as they have done in the past.
As the commemoration is just weeks away, Sputnik brings to your attention a selection of colour photographs that reflect the spirit of the time. Make sure not to miss them!
Soviet aviator Natalya Meklin.
Stalingrad after its liberation from the Nazi invasion.
Soviet guerillas, 1941.
Victory flag installed by Red fleet members Nikolay Sakhno and Georgiy Pivovarov, 1944.
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© Photo : Color by Klimbim / Olga Shirnina
A delegation from Mongolia gives presents to Soviet soldiers.
Wounded being carried by sleighs to a first-aid station near Mozhaisk, 1942.
Private Lyuba Rosenova in Berlin.
Soviet women removing debris from a building destroyed by bombing.
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Theatre-goers watch an operation by Soviet aviation outside the Gorky theatre.
Wood piles for Muscovites, 1941.
Soviet aviator Nadezhda Popova.
Marine scouts ambush the enemy, 1942.
Soviet soldiers salute on the roof of the Reichstag.
Soviet troops inspecting a German anti-tank cannon retrieved by Soviet scouts.
Setting up communication lines on the frontline, 1941.
