Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
A historical meeting on the Elbe River took place 7️⃣8️⃣ years ago – on April 25, 1945. The Red Army’s First Ukrainian Front troops under the command of Marshal Ivan Konev met the 69th and 104th infantry divisions of the First US Army under the command of General Omar Bradley.
This event is important not only historically but also symbolically. It became a prelude for the defeat of Nazi Germany and marked the peak of the allied struggle waged by the anti-Hitler coalition against Nazism. A spirit of unity against a common enemy, which came to be called the Elbe spirit, opened prospects for postwar cooperation at a new level.
📻 Although rank-and-file soldiers and their command on both sides of the Elbe River intercepted each other’s signals, they did not know how far away their allies were. They were only too happy to meet friendly troops instead of retreating Nazis.
Having forgotten about cultural differences and the language barrier, comrades-in-arms exchanged patches, signs of distinction, household items and even valuables. Later, the celebrations continued at the Soviet command headquarters on the eastern bank of the Elbe River where Omar Bradley came to meet Ivan Konev.
This is how first-hand witnesses described the historical moment. They became world famous owing to a photo by Bill Robertson (left), a reporter for US Life magazine. He said the meeting with the Soviet military created the impression that the world was one. Alexander Silvashko, depicted next to him (right) often said that if American and Soviet soldiers could maintain their comradely relations, “the world could become a better place.”
🤝 In the joint statement on the 75th anniversary of the meeting on the Elbe, the presidents of Russia and the US expressed the same feelings as their compatriots in 1945. “The meeting on the Elbe is the culmination of enormous efforts by many countries and peoples. The Elbe spirit shows how our countries can put aside their differences and cooperate in the name of a common goal”
#WeWereAllies
#Victory78
This event is important not only historically but also symbolically. It became a prelude for the defeat of Nazi Germany and marked the peak of the allied struggle waged by the anti-Hitler coalition against Nazism. A spirit of unity against a common enemy, which came to be called the Elbe spirit, opened prospects for postwar cooperation at a new level.
📻 Although rank-and-file soldiers and their command on both sides of the Elbe River intercepted each other’s signals, they did not know how far away their allies were. They were only too happy to meet friendly troops instead of retreating Nazis.
Having forgotten about cultural differences and the language barrier, comrades-in-arms exchanged patches, signs of distinction, household items and even valuables. Later, the celebrations continued at the Soviet command headquarters on the eastern bank of the Elbe River where Omar Bradley came to meet Ivan Konev.
This is how first-hand witnesses described the historical moment. They became world famous owing to a photo by Bill Robertson (left), a reporter for US Life magazine. He said the meeting with the Soviet military created the impression that the world was one. Alexander Silvashko, depicted next to him (right) often said that if American and Soviet soldiers could maintain their comradely relations, “the world could become a better place.”
🤝 In the joint statement on the 75th anniversary of the meeting on the Elbe, the presidents of Russia and the US expressed the same feelings as their compatriots in 1945. “The meeting on the Elbe is the culmination of enormous efforts by many countries and peoples. The Elbe spirit shows how our countries can put aside their differences and cooperate in the name of a common goal”
#WeWereAllies
#Victory78
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
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🗓 Today we commemorate #ElbeDay, dedicated to the historic encounter between Soviet and American forces on the banks of the Elbe River.
On April 25, 1945, the two allied armies met for the first time near Torgau in Germany. This contact marked an important step toward the end of World War II in Europe, heralding the final downfall of the Nazi regime.
Watch the documentary "Encounters at the Elbe: Springtime Before the Cold War" to explore and take a close look at the full story and key details of that landmark event imbued by the spirit of the soldier's brotherhood and hope for a lasting and happy peace.
#WeWereAllies
On April 25, 1945, the two allied armies met for the first time near Torgau in Germany. This contact marked an important step toward the end of World War II in Europe, heralding the final downfall of the Nazi regime.
Watch the documentary "Encounters at the Elbe: Springtime Before the Cold War" to explore and take a close look at the full story and key details of that landmark event imbued by the spirit of the soldier's brotherhood and hope for a lasting and happy peace.
#WeWereAllies