Belarus-Russia military glory rally participants lay flowers at Brest Fortress

The motor rally retraces iconic sites of military glory across Russia and Belarus. The participants are covering thousands of kilometers, visiting cities deeply tied to the history of the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945). Their journey has already taken them through Ryazan, Smolensk, Orsha, Minsk, Kopys, and Baranovichi. After Brest, the route will continue through Lida, Khatyn, Vitebsk, and the village of Solovyevo, before reaching its final destination in Moscow. Participants note that every stop offers an opportunity to connect with history and witness firsthand how the legacy of heroism lives on across different regions.

“Together, we take pride in the great, sacred memory of our kindred nations,” Asya Kompaniyets, leader of the Rostov regional patriotic movement Roads of Glory – Our History, said. “This year marks the 85th anniversary of the outbreak of the Great Patriotic War, so visiting Brest was essential for us, especially as we strive to strengthen historical and cultural ties with Belarus.” According to her, the route includes Orsha, Baranovichi, and Kopys for the first time. “In places like these, you can truly feel the authentic Belarusian land, traditions, culture, and the warmth of the people,” the movement’s leader added.

The motor rally brought together representatives of cultural groups. “Among us are the Slavyanochka ensemble of ethnic Belarusians from the Don region and the Uspekh student ensemble,” director of the Slavyanochka folk song ensemble Alla Ivakhnenko emphasized. “Memory is an enduring bond between the past and the future. We don’t just study history; we transmit it through song and creative performance so that it truly resonates with the younger generation.”

She added that participating in the motor rally has become a significant professional and personal experience. Although Alla Ivakhnenko was born in the Don region, her family originates from Mogilev Oblast, and the memory of her Belarusian roots has always been part of their family history. “The stories my ancestors told me are etched into my memory forever,” Alla Ivakhnenko said. “It’s impossible to keep it to yourself – it lives on and is passed down to others. You feel incredibly proud of this heritage. I am deeply grateful to be a part of this project.”

Sergei Mazur, one of the motor rally’s coordinators, also shared his impressions. “This is my third consecutive year participating in the rally and visiting the Brest Fortress, and each time feels as profound as the first,” he said. “This is the place where heroes were the first to confront the invaders. The feeling that arises here, where fierce battles once raged, cannot be put into words. You experience it deeply.”

Following a moment of silence to pay tribute to the defenders of the Fatherland, the rally participants took a guided tour around the memorial site.