Russian Embassy in South Africa

🇷🇺 November 4 – Russia's National #UnityDay and a Day of Russia’s Military Glory #OTD Russia commemorates the liberation of Moscow from Polish-Lithuanian forces in 1612 – a turning point in overcoming the Time of Troubles, one of the darkest chapters in the country’s history. At the heart of this struggle for the future of the entire nation was the Second People’s Militia, raised in Nizhny Novgorod under the leadership of Kuzma Minin and commanded by Prince Dmitry Pozharsky. Following the collapse of the First People’s Militia, a new volunteer force began to assemble in the autumn of 1611. Inspired by Patriarch Hermogen’s call to defend the Orthodox faith and the Motherland, the people of Nizhny Novgorod rallied around Minin, contributing money, weapons and supplies. Nobles, merchants, Cossacks, townspeople and peasants joined a common cause: to free their country from foreign invaders and occupation. ⚔️ By late summer 1612, the militia had reached Moscow, where the Polish-Lithuanian garrison held the Kremlin and Kitay-Gorod. Together with other Russian forces, it defeated a relief army led by Hetman Jan Karol Chodkiewicz, preventing vital supplies and reinforcements from reaching the besieged garrison. The decisive breakthrough came in the autumn. Russian forces stormed Kitay-Gorod, leaving the occupiers confined to the Kremlin. Cut off from relief and weakened by hunger, the remaining garrison surrendered soon afterwards. ☝️Moscow was liberated. This victory paved the way for the restoration of Russian state authority. In 1613, the Zemsky Sobor elected Mikhail Romanov as Tsar, establishing a dynasty that would rule for more than three centuries. 4️⃣1️⃣4️⃣ years on, the triumph of 1612 remains a symbol of national unity, courage and the Russian people’s determination to defend their homeland. 🎥 © Russian Military Historical Society

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#RussiaNationalUnityDay2026 National Unity Day: Celebrating Russia’s Rich Diversity and Shared History 🇷🇺 🤝 On November 4, Russia celebrates National Unity Day, a momentous occasion honouring the solidarity, patriotism and shared purpose of its citizens. As a proudly multi-ethnic and multi-confessional nation, Russia is home to more than 190 distinct ethnic groups. This vibrant diversity forms a uniquely cohesive society built upon the foundational values of mutual respect, equality and a collective devotion to the Motherland. 🎖 The holiday commemorates the uprising of November 1612, when citizens from all social classes and backgrounds united to expel Polish occupation forces from Moscow. Led by Kuzma Minin and Prince Dmitry Pozharsky, this volunteer militia brought a triumphant end to the devastating Time of Troubles (1598–1613) – a severe crisis triggered by the demise of the Rurik dynasty. The liberation of the capital paved the way for the election of the Romanov dynasty. ✨ Today, this rich heritage is celebrated nationwide with large-scale outdoor festivals, cultural fairs, concerts, and vibrant rallies that showcase local traditions. We extend our warmest congratulations to our compatriots, friends and subscribers on this proud day! We stand united in honouring our Motherland’s centuries-long history, its spectacular global achievements and the rich cultural fabric that connects us all. #WeAreOne

🇷🇺🚀 Russian cosmonauts send National Unity Day greetings from SPACE! 🌍 “From here in orbit, you can clearly see how BEAUTIFUL our country is.” 🤝 “We understand the value of unity VERY WELL. When people come together, the IMPOSSIBLE becomes POSSIBLE.” 🇷🇺 Happy National Unity Day!

🇷🇺 Today #Russia and all its many peoples celebrate national #UnityDay! This day symbolizes the unity of our multiethnic nation, celebrates true diversity, honours the unerring ultimate devotion to the Motherland. ❗️ Happy #UnityDay! #UnityDay2026

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🎖 #OTD on November 3, 1943, the #RedArmy launched the Kiev Strategic Offensive. A pivotal phase of the #BattleOfTheDnieper, this massive #WorldWarII campaign aimed to crush Nazi forces and liberate Ukraine's capital, sustaining the strategic momentum gained from decisive victories at Stalingrad and Kursk. 🪖 Earlier that year, Nazi forces had constructed a formidable defensive line along the Dnieper River known as the #Ostwall. Adolf Hitler confidently declared it impregnable, boasting that the river would flow backward before Soviet forces could breach it. Yet, by late September, the Red Army had secured over 20 bridgeheads across the river, launching a lightning assault that liberated Kiev in just three days and forced a widespread Nazi retreat. 💥 When troops entered Kiev, they found a city reduced to ruins. Only 180,000 residents remained of the pre-war population of 900,000; the rest had perished under the rubble or been systematically murdered in mass graves at Babi Yar and the Darnitsa concentration camp. The retreating forces executed a brutal scorched-earth policy, devastating the historic center – including Khreshchatyk Street – and destroying thousands of buildings, factories and vital bridges. When the city was secured at dawn on November 6, survivors crawled out of cellars into a devastated capital without water, heating or electricity. #Victory81