Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Official website of the State –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Maria Zakharova, Director of the Department of Information and Press and official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spoke to students at the State University of Management about the importance of preserving the memory of historical milestones.
"Society must have fundamental knowledge about itself, knowledge of its country, its culture, its history," the guest emphasized.
As an example, she asked a question about the Patriotic War of 1812.
"Who attacked Russia in 1812? Everyone knows it was Napoleon. But what is the name of our sovereign—the one who defeated Napoleon? There's usually silence. Yet this is our leader, our compatriot Alexander I. … Enemies who wanted to conquer us, enslave us, occupy us, wipe us off the face of the earth as a country and a people—reached Moscow. And the Fatherland found the strength to defeat them."
Maria Zakharova recalled that the Cathedral of Christ the Savior is also a monument to the heroes of the Patriotic War of 1812: its interior gallery contains marble slabs inscribed with the names of the heroes who fought and defended our country.
"Why don't we know this chapter of our history? Was it really 2 billion years ago, and we're asking about the name of the last dinosaur? That was only 200 years ago. We know perfectly well who attacked us, but we know nothing about those who repelled them," Maria Zakharova said regretfully.
At the end of the meeting, the Director of the Information and Press Department of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated this important thesis and called on the students to "remember who won the war of 1812 and not to worship foreign idols, which are nothing more than idols."
As a reminder, the discussion also raised issues such as the specifics of conducting diplomatic meetings with the United States, the degradation of Western elites, relations with China, and the necessary qualities for civil service.
The meeting was held as part of the "People of My Country" project, which brings politicians, public figures, bloggers, and artists to the State University of Management to give open lectures, sharing their life experiences and personal examples of how to achieve success and be a worthy citizen of their country.
Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: February 4, 2026.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.