Published on: 2026-08-09
Source: Official website of the State –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
On August 9, we celebrate one of the most significant dates in the history of the Great Patriotic War – the Day of the End of the Siege of Leningrad. This event became a symbol of the unyielding will, courage, and selflessness of the Soviet people.
The Day of Military Glory was officially established by a Federal Law signed by the President of the Russian Federation in March 2025 to commemorate the feat of the defenders of the city on the Neva and to emphasize the military-strategic significance of this battle.
The longest battle of the Great Patriotic War
The battle for the city lasted 1,127 days—from July 10, 1941, to August 9, 1944—and is unmatched in duration.
Leningrad became the first city that the fascist troops failed to capture by storm. Thanks to the unprecedented courage of the military, militia, and ordinary citizens, the city turned into an impregnable fortress and held back significant enemy forces from advancing deep into the country: about 20% of all Wehrmacht divisions on the Eastern Front and the entire Finnish army were forced to remain at the city’s walls.
Lifting the blockade and the liberation of Leningrad
One of the most terrible chapters of the battle and the war as a whole was the Siege of Leningrad, which lasted 872 days – from September 8, 1941, to January 27, 1944.
Soviet troops repeatedly tried to break through the encirclement ring to reach the people trapped in a deadly snare and liberate the city.
During the operation “Iskra” on January 18, 1943, it was possible to break the blockade and restore land communication with the city. However, the blockade was completely lifted only a year later, on January 27, 1944, during the Leningrad–Novgorod operation.
The final chord of the Leningrad battle was the Vyborg–Petrozavodsk operation, which took place from June to August 1944, during which Vyborg and Petrozavodsk were liberated, and the Finnish forces were pushed far away from Leningrad. It is precisely the completion of this operation on August 9, 1944, that is considered the end of the Leningrad battle.
Employees of the State University of Management – participants of the Leningrad Battle
Today we want to remember the #ScientificRegiment of the State University of Management, because among those who liberated the city, and those who were trapped in it, there were people who tied their lives to our university.
- Georgy Lagunov was a participant in the defense of Leningrad, survived the blockade while staying in the city. He was awarded many orders and medals, including the medal “For the Defense of Leningrad” and the badge “Resident of Blockaded Leningrad.” He worked at the university from 1958 with a break from 1970 to 1973, as a senior research associate.
- Mikhail Gureyev is a retired colonel. He has been awarded many orders and medals, including the medal “For the Defense of Leningrad.” He worked at the university from 1972 to 2008, including 30 years as vice-rector.
- Alexander Davydov – pilot, lieutenant colonel, made 321 combat sorties, of which 289 were at night. He was awarded numerous orders and medals, including the Medal “For the Defense of Leningrad.” He worked at the university from 1962 for 23 years, including as deputy head of the department of the Research Laboratory of Economics and Production Organization.
- Pyotr Savelyev is a participant in the defense of Leningrad, appointed to officer positions, including deputy commander of a separate battalion. He has been awarded many orders and medals, including the Medal “For the Defense of Leningrad.” Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Construction and Urban Economy.
- Viktor Girovskiy was a participant in the defense of Leningrad. He was awarded an order and medals. From 1957 to 1964, he worked at our university as Vice-Rector for Research and Head of the Department of Economics and Construction Organization.
- Nikolay Igoshin is a participant in the defense of Leningrad, a retired senior lieutenant. He has been awarded three orders and many medals. He worked at the university from 1976 to 1985 and since 1995.
- Nikolai Chernyak is a retired colonel. He participated in battles on the Volkhov, Leningrad, and 2nd Baltic fronts as a political officer. He worked at MIU from 1979 to 1991 as an associate professor in the Department of Philosophy.
We bow our heads in memory of the heroes. Their sacrifice and will made it possible to save thousands of lives and laid the foundation for our future Great Victory.
Subscribe to the Telegram channel “Our GUU” Publication date: 08/09/2026
Please note; This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.