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On February 18, students of the Pre-University and the State University of Management met with representatives of the Military Commissariat of the South-Eastern Administrative District (SEAD) and a veteran of the special military operation (SVO).

The students were told about the opportunities offered by studying at military universities, the admissions process, and the nuances of their studies. They also answered questions about their interests. Finally, the 10th-grade students were reminded about military training.

Elena Borodulina, an employee of the South-Eastern Administrative District Military Commissioner's Office, listed the largest universities offering military specialties and the required subjects for admission. She invited anyone interested in pursuing a career in the military to the commissioner's office for more information.

Valentin Stepanov, Head of the Military Registration and Mobilization Department at the Main Directorate of Military Management, shared his knowledge of the Russian FSB Academy, where he worked for many years. Specifically, he noted that students should apply to the academy as early as the end of 10th grade, as in addition to entrance exams, there is a preliminary interview and checks for any restrictions on military service.

Guards Major Yevgeny Vasilyev, a veteran of the Air Defense Forces, spoke to the audience about his experience studying at the military university, noting the extensive practical training and emphasizing the importance of not only physical fitness and knowledge, but also moral character:

"An officer is always a future educator. Therefore, commanders or a special commission personally evaluate all applicants to determine what kind of person you are and whether you can instill high moral qualities and love for the Motherland in the next generation."

Participants not only asked questions of the speakers but also stayed after the meeting to personally engage with the speakers and clarify any points of interest.

As a reminder, the State University of Management's Pre-University has begun enrolling students for 10th grade for the 2026/2027 school year on a budgetary and contractual basis.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: February 18, 2026.

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For millions of children, the poet's lines are familiar from childhood and have remained ingrained in their memories for a lifetime. "They dropped the teddy bear on the floor," "The bull walks along, swinging," "The bunny's owner abandoned her"—these aren't just quotes from poems; they represent an entire world where favorite toys come to life and kindness is felt by the very youngest. Even after many years, they warm the heart and remind us of simple truths.

Childhood, family and education

Agnia was born on February 17, 1906, in Lithuania. Her family later moved to Moscow, where her mother worked as a housewife and her father as a veterinarian. Her childhood was filled with a love of books and rhymes: her intelligent parents taught her to read from Leo Tolstoy and recited Ivan Krylov's fables before bed. Agnia then attended a prestigious gymnasium and, concurrently, the Lydia Nelidova Ballet School. She later entered the Choreographic School. After graduating in 1924, Agnia served in the ballet troupe for a year.

Early attempts at writing and career development

Her first poems were born while she was still studying at the academy. People's Commissar of Education Anatoly Lunacharsky attended a graduates' demonstration concert and, admiring her poetry reading, invited her to join him. At the People's Commissariat, he convinced Agnia that her talent should serve children.

To make a final decision, Barto turned to her friend, idol, and renowned poet Vladimir Mayakovsky. She attended his performance, and at the end of the evening, Vladimir pointed to the children in the audience and said, "That's who I should write for." So, Agnia decided to write for them. Anna Akhmatova became another poetic inspiration for the budding poet.

By 1925, her first poems, "Teddy Bear the Thief" and "Little Chinese Van Li," were published. She also co-wrote "Counting Rhyme," "The Grimy Girl," and "The Crying Girl" with her first husband and poet, Pavel Barto. In 1927, the couple had their first child, Edgar, who died in 1945 when he was hit by a truck. Her second husband was Andrei Shcheglyaev, a correspondent for the USSR Academy of Sciences, with whom Agnia had a daughter, Tatyana. Although Barto preferred to "seek out" her heroes in schools and pioneer camps, the famous lines "Our Tanya cries loudly" are dedicated specifically to her.

In 1936, a true miracle of children's literature occurred: the publication of the famous collection "Toys," which became the poetess's most popular poem cycle. The celebrated poems "Little Bull," "Bunny," "Bear," and "Ball" became integral parts of young readers' lives, teaching them empathy and caring. Equally popular were the collections "Funny Poems" and "Poems for Children."

The Great Patriotic War and social activities

Agniya Barto was a supporter of Soviet power and reflected its values in her educational poems. She emphasized the importance of discipline, accuracy, and hard work.

During the Great Patriotic War, Agnia's family was evacuated to Sverdlovsk, where she learned the trade of a lathe operator and worked at the factory alongside everyone else. Teenagers also worked there, inspiring her to portray the children of war in her works ("In the Days of War" (1941), "Zvenigorod" (1947)). For her labor achievements, she was awarded a prize, which she donated to the construction of a tank. After the war, the writer held literary evenings in orphanages, bringing much-needed warmth and attention to orphans.

A deep desire, even a need, to help people led her to create her own program, "Find a Person," on Mayak Radio in 1965. For eight years, letters of remembrance from those who had lost their families were read weekly. Thanks to this, thousands of people were able to find their loved ones.

Agniya Barto became one of the most celebrated Russian children's poets. Her poems have been translated into numerous languages and are still heard in every home with children. For her work, she was awarded the Lenin Prize and became a second-degree Stalin Prize laureate, but her greatest reward is her vast literary legacy and the bright, happy childhood she has given to several generations.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: February 17, 2026.

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On February 17, 2004, the All-Russian youth public movement "Russian Student Brigades" was founded at the All-Russian Forum of Student Brigades in Moscow. For many years, it has united over 400,000 students from 85 regions into a large, friendly family with shared ideas and goals!

The RSO traces its roots to 1959, when Moscow State University students went to the virgin lands of Kazakhstan, initiating the movement of voluntary student construction brigades. Over the following decades, the movement became nationwide, with new branches emerging: teaching, agricultural, service, and guide brigades. By the mid-1980s, the All-Union Student Brigade had over 800,000 members.

Students from the State University of Management, then known as the Moscow Engineering and Economics Institute, also participated in construction teams. Among them were future SUM employees: Vladimir Godin, professor of the Information Systems Department; Alexey Lyalin, rector; Nikolay Nesterov, deputy chairman of the primary trade union of SUM employees; Alexander Raichenko, professor of the Department of Management Theory at the Institute of Public Administration and Law; and others. It was they who, through their own efforts, built our modern campus!

Today, we congratulate the members of the student and teaching teams of the State University of Management, all the participants and veterans of the movement, on this holiday! We wish that your work in the movement and in the virgin lands brings you joy, inspires you to new achievements, and unites you even more strongly with the team! After all, you, like no one else, understand that being its honor is a great pride and responsibility!

Thank you for your tireless work and example of responsibility, leadership, and hard work!

On this holiday, we'll tell you about some of the movement's interesting traditions that remain to this day:

Wearing virgin lands. On the back is a design including the name of the unit, educational institution, nature of activity, unit emblem, and the name of the administrative territory in which the unit was formed. On the front of the virgin lands are patches distinguishing the unit's rank, unit profile, virgin lands, and unit badges. Holidays. New Year's Day is celebrated on the virgin lands on the night of July 31st to August 1st, Defender of the Fatherland Day is celebrated on July 23rd, and International Women's Day is celebrated on August 8th. Symbolic weddings are most often a tradition among construction workers, who work side by side throughout the season. Soldiers are assigned roles—bride and groom, best men, relatives—which are performed throughout the evening. Songs accompany the boys during joint work or rest, and are sung around a campfire with the accompaniment of a guitar. The Eaglet Circle is formed during singing: one hand is placed on the shoulder of a neighbor, the other on the waist, and no one can leave the circle at this moment.

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On February 17, 1944, the Korsun-Shevchenkovsk operation, also known as the Korsun or Cherkasy cauldron, ended.

Korsun Cauldron

The offensive operation by troops of the 1st and 2nd Ukrainian Fronts began on January 24 and was part of the Soviet strategic offensive in Right-Bank Ukraine. The primary objective of the Soviet forces was to encircle and destroy large enemy groups located in the Korsun and Shevchenkov area.

Cold, snow, and mud complicated the actions of both sides. Despite this, Soviet troops demonstrated incredible courage and fortitude. Their task was nearly impossible: to close the encirclement and prevent the enemy from breaking out. This was more than just a military success. It was a victory of fortitude.

34% of the encircled German forces were destroyed, and two army corps ceased to exist. Furthermore, our soldiers captured significant trophies, including tanks, artillery, and ammunition.

This victory became an important stage on the path to the liberation of all of Ukraine and the further advance of Soviet troops to the West.

Memories of a battle participant

Among the soldiers who fought to the last to stop the enemy was Mikhail Gureev, who worked at the Main Directorate of Management after the war. A soldier's recollections:

"Near the town of Korsun-Shevchenkivskyi, our troops surrounded a large group of retreating Germans. Maintaining the encirclement, we waged extremely difficult defensive battles to destroy the enemy. The enemy attacked our positions day and night, aiming to break through the defenses and escape the encirclement. The Nazis managed to concentrate a large strike force on a narrow section of the front, and at night they broke through our defenses and, what's more, encircled the 240th Division and our mortar regiment. Encircled, we fought off German attacks for over two weeks, suffering heavy losses in manpower and equipment. The enemy was also weakened. We ran out of mines, ammunition, food, and even had serious problems with water. I don't know how it would have all ended if we hadn't received assistance from the Czechoslovak Brigade, which, on the orders of the 40th Army commander, routed the Germans in our regiment's sector, and we, with the remnants of our men and equipment, escaped the encirclement."

The memory of the heroism of soldiers and officers lives in our hearts, and we will pass it on to future generations.

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On February 16, the State University of Management presented a comprehensive study to the State Duma on the role of Russian Student Teams (RST) in the country's socioeconomic development.

The presentation was part of events celebrating RSO Day: a conference on the role of student brigades in training personnel for the country's economy and a roundtable discussion on legislative support for employment, including through student brigades.

Representatives of the movement, competition winners, and heads of regional branches of the RSO met with Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Tatyana Golikova, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Alexander Zhukov, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Youth Policy and graduate of the State University of Management Artem Metelev, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Youth Policy and Chairman of the RSO Supervisory Board Mikhail Kiselev, Chair of the Board of the Russian Student Brigades Yulia Drozhzhina, State Duma deputies, and representatives of the Government of the Russian Federation and federal executive bodies.

Vladimir Stroyev, Rector of the State University of Management, Grigory Gurov, Head of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs and Associate Professor of the State University of Management's Department of Public and Municipal Administration, and Natalya Pushkareva, Director of the 14-35 Center for Sociological Research, presented a monograph on a comprehensive study of the role of the RSO in the country's socioeconomic development. The study was conducted by the 14-35 Center for Sociological Research of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science with the support of the Russian Science Foundation.

"For universities, the topic of interaction between educational organizations and employers is especially relevant today. We strive to prepare specialists with general scientific fundamental knowledge in various fields, who meet market demands, and who share traditional spiritual and moral values and strive to contribute to their country. This requires a well-established system of interaction between the university and employers, which can be built using the extensive experience of Russian Student Teams," said Vladimir Stroyev.

Grigory Gurov drew the audience's attention to the importance of internships and practical training for choosing a professional path.

"Together with a large team, including the State University of Management, we are creating a new order, taking into account new economic challenges, so that young people can feel like an important part of the country's development—part of a unified economy. To this end, we are implementing initiatives within the framework of the national project "Youth and Children," including for the youngest students—"First in Profession" from the Movement of Firsts, and "More Than Just a Job" for students and young professionals. Russian student brigades are the driving force behind this ambitious effort," noted the head of Rosmolodezh.

The monograph combines theoretical, sociological, and economic approaches, revealing the multifaceted contribution of the student brigades movement to addressing key national challenges. The study's key findings emphasize that student brigades not only contribute to addressing current socioeconomic challenges (youth employment, regional development, and industry support) but also build a talent pool and strengthen civic identity and social cohesion. Based on these studies, recommendations are proposed for optimizing student brigades' interactions with educational institutions, businesses, and the government.

The meeting also included a ceremony to present diplomas from the 10th International Competition for the Best Scientific and Educational Publication, "Academus," to the team of authors of the monograph.

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Nikolai Leskov was born on February 16, 1831, in the village of Gorokhovo in the Oryol district. His mother belonged to a noble family, and his father, a member of the clergy, broke with her and joined the Oryol Criminal Chamber, where he received hereditary nobility. According to contemporaries, he gained a reputation as a perceptive investigator, capable of solving complex cases.

Early years and finding one's calling

The writer spent his childhood in Oryol. His grandmother had a profound influence on him, instilling moral values and compassion. After his father retired, the family moved to the village of Panino. There, the future writer first encountered the local people—an experience that later formed the basis for his novella "Yudol," about a terrible famine and crimes committed for the sake of survival.

Leskov's studies at the gymnasium, which he entered at age 10, were unsuccessful: due to neglect and a dislike of cramming, after five years he had only completed two grades. In 1847, he began serving in the Oryol Chamber of the Criminal Court, then transferred to Kyiv. In Kyiv, he became an auditor at the university, developed a passion for icon painting, participated in a student society, and interacted with pilgrims and Old Believers.

After leaving the military in 1857, Nikolai began working for his relatives' company, Schott & Wilkens. His business trips often took him around the country, introducing him to new places, languages, cultures, and traditions.

"I know the Russian people to their very core, and I don't take any credit for it. I didn't learn about the people from conversations with St. Petersburg cabbies, but I grew up among the people…" the writer would later share.

During this period of his life, Leskov took up the pen for the first time.

The beginning of a writing career and criticism

Leskov's literary career began with "Essays on the Distilling Industry," published in Otechestvennye Zapiski in 1861. In 1862, he became a regular contributor to the newspaper Severnaya Pchela (Northern Bee). However, his articles accusing the government of inaction during the St. Petersburg fires angered Alexander II, and the editors sent Nicholas on an extended business trip to Europe.

In 1863, Leskov returned to Russia, and soon wrote "The Life of a Woman" and "Nowhere to Go," both published in the journal "Biblioteka." The latter work provoked a sharp critical reaction, and the novel sealed the writer's place in the creative community for many years to come, as he was accused of holding anti-democratic, "reactionary" views.

A significant milestone in his writing was the novel "At Daggers Drawn." In it, the author condemned nihilism and nascent revolutionary movements. According to Maxim Gorky, "…after the evil novel, Leskov's literary work immediately becomes a vibrant painting, or rather, an icon painting—he begins to create for Russia an iconostasis of its saints and righteous."

The Tale of the Cross-Eyed Lefty from Tula and the Steel Flea

One of Leskov's most famous works is "Lefty." This tale, a skaz (a folktale), is unique due to its writing style, which beautifully captures the richness and color of Russian folk speech. Opinions on the work have been wildly varied: some praise the interesting plot, the author's style, and the moral, while others believe the characters lack emotion.

Leskov himself wrote: "Several others agreed that in my stories it is truly difficult to distinguish between good and evil, and that at times it's even impossible to discern who is harming the cause and who is helping it. This was attributed to a certain innate treachery in my nature."

Interesting facts about "Lefty"

Lefty is a collective image of talent, patience, and the tragic Russian fate. Leskov himself admitted: "Where 'Lefty' stands, one should read 'Russian people.'" Nikolai got the idea while vacationing in Sestroretsk, from Colonel Bolonin, an employee of the arms factory. There, he first heard the story of the English steel flea, which Russian craftsmen were able not only to copy but also to shoe. Leo Tolstoy did not understand Lefty. He found the language strange, and the "tricky words" unpopular. The first edition of Lefty was unsuccessful. The opening title with the angels and the engraving of the grasshopper at the end had no relation to the content, and therefore seemed out of place. Leskov wrote down the words for the tale, overheard from ordinary people, in a "little book." Some vocabulary was rewritten by the printer, who considered the author illiterate.

Although this work didn't enjoy great recognition during Nikolai Semyonovich's lifetime, it later became an enduring classic. It's not just a tale about a Russian craftsman, but a true chronicle, combining a rich, complex history and characters.

Besides "Lefty," the "pearls" of his work were the story about a merchant's wife, whose criminal passion leads to the tragedy "Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District" (1864) and the wandering novel "The Enchanted Wanderer" (1873) – the story of a runaway serf who experienced wanderings, captivity, war, but retained faith and readiness for self-sacrifice.

Leskov's works are memorable for their unique style and vibrant, expressive characters. The author created a unified literary and stylistic framework—the tale—and the image of a Russian man who lives by his conscience, modestly yet masterfully performing his work. His closeness to the people, their everyday life, and their customs continues to make his work so relevant today.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: February 16, 2026.

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On February 16, Vladimir Stroyev, Rector of the State University of Management, took part in the III Forum of Non-State Education.

The main topics of discussion were new digital technologies, increasing interaction with employers, and improving the quality of the educational process.

The program began with a plenary session, "On Strategic Directions for the Development of Private Education," featuring presentations by Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov, Chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia Leonid Slutsky, Chairperson of the Association of Non-State Education Lyubov Dukhanina, President of the Synergy Corporation Vadim Lobov, Deputy Head of Rosobrnadzor Svetlana Kochetova, and First Vice President of Opora Rossii Eduard Omarov.

Lyubov Dukhanina read a letter of welcome on behalf of Andrei Fursenko, Assistant to the President of the Russian Federation.

In his speech, Valery Falkov noted that higher education is facing unprecedented challenges: unemployment is at a record low, but at the same time, there is a shortage of qualified personnel in many areas. This indicates the need to change approaches, including to university admissions and updating educational programs.

The Minister of Education and Science also announced a transition to a unified system of higher education, which will replace the current division between bachelor's and specialist's degrees, with the length of study dependent on the complexity of the profession and employer demands. The minister also focused on reforming the master's program, proposing to divide it into three types: research, professional, and managerial. Admission will be based on specialized exams rather than general education subjects.

Lyubov Dukhanina, Chair of the Association of Non-State Education, also noted the relevance of the trend toward high-quality education and unique skills. She noted that employers today are looking for highly specialized professionals capable of multitasking, as well as managers who can assemble a team of such specialists and lead them to achieve their plans. The speaker emphasized that people are willing to pay for a quality education from an early age, as evidenced by the increased demand for private kindergartens and schools with engaging, relevant educational programs, which creates new challenges for the education system itself and its transformation.

Eduard Omarov shared his opinion that the most in-demand talent in the country today is entrepreneurs, who make a significant contribution to the national economy. They, in turn, need competent managers and senior executives who will focus on developing specific areas: marketing, production, human resources, and so on.

Following the plenary session, a meeting of the Expert Council on Education and Youth Policy under Deputy Chairman of the State Duma of the Russian Federation Boris Chernyshov was held.

Olga Petrova, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, joined the meeting via videoconference. She spoke about the development of the Economic Youth Entrepreneurial University, support for student startups and educational programs aimed at creating them, technological entrepreneurship, and social initiatives.

The meeting participants discussed the development of regional education systems, entrepreneurship in universities, and international cooperation in higher education, as well as education within the framework of the Strategy for the Development of Education in Russia until 2036.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: February 16, 2026.

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On February 13, Vladimir Stroyev, Rector of the State University of Management, took part in an extended meeting of the State Council of the Russian Federation Commission on Personnel.

At the opening of the meeting, the commission's chairman, Kaluga Region Governor and GUU alumnus Vladislav Shapsha, outlined the commission's key areas of systematic work, which encompasses the entire labor market development cycle: forecasting personnel needs, restructuring the mid-level vocational education system, migration policy, and graduate employment and career development.

"The issues discussed at the commission meetings were comprehensive. We covered the entire cycle – from forecasting and personnel training to their employment and adaptation," said Vladislav Shapsha.

Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Russian Federation Dmitry Platygin reported that all key indicators of the national project set for 2025 have been met, and the preliminary target for reducing the labor shortage has been exceeded, reaching 101.7%.

One of the key areas of work for 2026 will be increasing the prestige of blue-collar jobs and promoting secondary vocational education, said Vladimir Solodov, Chairman of the "Working People" working group and Governor of Kamchatka Krai.

Vladimir Region Governor Alexander Avdeev, Chairman of the "Active Measures to Promote Employment" working group, noted that the commission, together with the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications, and Mass Media and the Federal Service for Labor and Employment, is exploring the possibility of integrating the "Work Russia" platform with leading commercial HR platforms to automate job postings and simplify the process of receiving government support.

As a reminder, Vladimir Stroyev is a member of the State Council of the Russian Federation's Human Resources Committee and regularly attends its meetings. We previously reported on the issues discussed at the 2025 meetings: January, February, June, and December, as well as at the final meeting.

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257 years ago, on February 13, Ivan Krylov was born—the famous fabulist whose lines we remember from childhood. They contain simple, everyday wisdom familiar to everyone, which is why, even two centuries ago, everyone read his works, regardless of class or age. They remain relevant today:

"How many times have we told the world that flattery is vile and harmful; but it's all to no avail, and a flatterer will always find a place in the heart."

Childhood and the "first steps" of a career

Ivan Andreevich was born in Moscow, the son of an officer. His father possessed a large home library, so from childhood his son was immersed in books and self-educated: he studied arithmetic, foreign languages (English, Italian, German), and read extensively. The boy received no formal education, as he was already working as an assistant clerk at the age of 11 – his father died early, leaving his mother to help support the family. It was she who taught the future writer to read and write, and a tutor who taught him French.

At age 13, the young man moved to St. Petersburg, where he lived in the home of a family friend, the civil servant Fyodor Lvov. The move had a profound impact on his work: Krylov gained access to the capital's literary circle. On the advice of the fabulist Ivan Dmitriev, he translated Jean de Lefautin, a work that received praise from connoisseurs and became the starting point for his fable writing.

At age 15, he spent his free time from his duties in the chamber at the theater, meeting actors and working on his own works. In the late 1780s, Krylov wrote the daring plays "The Americans" and "The Pranksters." And in 1786, his opera "The Writer in the Hallway" was staged. After his initial success, Ivan Andreevich decided to leave his post and devote himself entirely to literature and theater. In 1789, the writer began publishing the humorous magazine "Mail of Spirits," in which he exposed government officials for bribery and lawbreaking.

Dissatisfaction with the authorities and a pause in creativity

Krylov found his niche in writing fables. They were distinguished by their realism and truthfulness, superb language, and memorable style. From 1789 to 1793, his works were actively published in the capital's journals: "Morning Hours," "Mail of Spirits," "Spectator," and "St. Petersburg Mercury." However, in 1793, "Mercury" was closed, placing him under secret police surveillance. The authorities were dissatisfied with his work and exiled him from St. Petersburg, banishing him from the governor's cities. Ivan Andreevich abandoned writing for many years. In 1797, he met Prince Golitsyn, who offered Krylov a position as a children's tutor and secretary.

"Tackle what you are good at if you want to have a successful end to your endeavors."

It wasn't until 1805 that the writer returned to fables, beginning to translate and write them. Within four years, his work had become immensely popular and, ultimately, brought him great fame. From 1810, the writer worked at the Imperial Public Library, and in 1811, he became a member of the Russian Academy and a member of the Literary Society of Lovers of Russian Literature. During this time, his most famous works were written: "The Crow and the Fox," "The Elephant and the Pug," "The Dragonfly and the Ant," "The Quartet," "The Monkey and the Glasses," "The Swan, the Crayfish, and the Pike," "The Quartet," and many others. During his lifetime, Krylov wrote over 230 fables.

Krylov's acclaim was universal. He was read, quoted, and parsed into catchphrases: "The crow cawed with all its might," "Sing, my dear, don't be ashamed!," "The swan rushes into the clouds, the crayfish retreats, and the pike pulls into the water," "And you, friends, no matter how you sit, are still no good at being musicians," "Without a fight, you become a big bully."

Awards and achievements

Thanks to Ivan Krylov, the fable became so popular in the country and reflected the events unfolding there, like a chronicle. Nikolai Gogol characterized Krylov and his work thus: "Krylov chose the fable form, disdained by everyone as something old, unfit for use, and almost a child's toy—and in this fable he managed to become a national poet."

The writer received not only public recognition and admiration but also state awards and a pension. From 1816, he held the position of librarian at the Imperial Public Library. For his creative achievements, he was awarded the Gold Medal of the Russian Academy, the Order of St. Stanislav, 2nd class, the Order of St. Anna, 2nd class, and the Order of St. Vladimir, 4th class.

Krylov's 50th Anniversary

In 1838, St. Petersburg celebrated the famous fabulist's birthday with great pomp. Firstly, it was the first time in Russian and European culture that a living writer was honored solely for his literary achievements. Secondly, over three hundred people were invited to the celebration in the hall of the St. Petersburg Assembly of the Nobility: ministers, members of the State Council, literary figures, and the young Grand Dukes Mikhail and Nikolai with their tutors. The anniversary was prepared by a group of St. Petersburg writers; a script was even written. It included a gala dinner, a performance of the anniversary cantata by the bass Osip Petrov, the decoration of the hall with a bust of Krylov, the awarding of the writer, a showering of flowers, and the crowning of the celebrant with a laurel wreath.

By the Supreme Command, a commemorative medal with a portrait of the fabulist was minted for this date, and two Krylov scholarships were established for poor high school students.

In 1845, Vissarion Belinsky wrote in an article dedicated to the memory of the writer: “…Krylov received a true, unprecedented reward for his literary merits… St. Petersburg writers, with their highest permission, gave Krylov a dinner, in which many dignitaries and famous people participated.”

Retirement and move to Vasilievsky Island

In 1841, Krylov retired from his career with a lifelong pension and moved to Vasilievsky Island. The reason for this decision was unknown: some believed the writer had become addicted to gambling, others believed he was hiding from society due to literary failures.

His daily routine included reading periodicals, smoking cigars, and receiving visitors, with whom he conducted conversations without leaving his chair due to ill health. He was still feeling well on November 20, 1844, but on the 21st, he asked to be put to bed and passed away.

The writer's final wish was to send out an invitation to his own funeral in the form of a special funeral edition of his fables. Ivan Andreevich's funeral service took place in St. Isaac's Cathedral. It couldn't accommodate all those wishing to say their farewells, so crowds filled Nevsky Prospect. The hearse proceeded to the Alexander Nevsky Lavra, where the writer was buried. In 1855, a magnificent monument to Krylov, designed by sculptor Pyotr Klodt, was erected in the Summer Garden.

Ivan Krylov's works have become firmly entrenched in folklore, translated into over 50 foreign languages, and are a symbol of the national spirit and realism. Surpassing Pushkin and Karamzin, the fabulist became the most widely read writer of the 19th century and a "renewer" of the Russian literary language.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: February 13, 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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Official website of the State –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

On February 13, 1945, the Budapest Strategic Offensive Operation concluded with the liberation of the Hungarian capital. In terms of duration and ferocity, the battle for Budapest even surpassed the capture of Berlin.

Why Budapest was more important to Hitler than Berlin

The main reason Budapest and Hungary as a whole were so valuable to Hitler were the last remaining oil fields. Without kerosene and other oil-derived fuels, aircraft couldn't take off, and tank armadas couldn't move into battle. The Führer attached particular importance to the oil-rich Nagykanizsa region.

Hitler stated that he would rather agree to the surrender of Berlin than to the loss of Hungarian oil.

To hold these strategically important territories, Hitler issued a directive ordering his forces in Hungary to stand firm, regardless of losses. He dispatched half of his available tank corps to the region, as well as elite SS units.

Execution of the USSR parliamentarians

The Soviet command tried to avoid bloodshed and destruction of the most beautiful city in Europe.

Two groups of parliamentarians under the command of captains Ivan Ostapenko and Miklos Steinmetz were sent to the German generals.

However, in violation of all norms of warfare, the negotiators were executed. Having begun the war with a treacherous attack on the USSR in June 1941, German troops ended it as vile murderers, determined to destroy as many as possible.

It became obvious that an assault was inevitable.

The storming of Budapest

The assault on the Hungarian capital lasted 108 days, and continuous street fighting lasted 48 days.

Up to 100,000 German and Hungarian soldiers were surrounded. Every house was converted into a fortification—the city was completely mined.

Tanks were rarely used – fighting raged for every floor and room. Assault teams advanced: infantry, sappers, and flamethrowers. Underground passages, breaches in walls, and rooftop fire were used, as in Stalingrad.

The Germans attempted three times to break through to the encircled forces, but not so much to rescue them as to bring in reinforcements and defend the city. In January 1945, over 600 tanks participated in one counterattack, but all attempts to break the blockade were repelled.

Memories of a participant in the battle – a GUU employee

Gennady Belykh, a participant who worked after the war at the Sergo Ordzhonikidze State Academy of Management (now the State University of Management), recalled how the battles for the city unfolded:

"In the battle for Budapest, our troops gained extensive experience in conducting combat operations to capture a large city. In this regard, I would like to particularly commend the bold and proactive actions of the assault groups, which played a decisive role in capturing Budapest.

A handful of brave men – machine gunners, sappers, flamethrowers – supported by fire from heavy machine guns, artillery and tanks, quietly approached the building, which the enemy had turned into a stronghold, threw fans into the windows, broke into the house and waged a fierce battle for every room, for every flight of stairs.

Assault groups typically operated not along streets that were under enemy fire, but through passageways and breaches. Our soldiers tried to get behind enemy lines, to ambush them out of the blue. Night was the best time for this—the Nazis feared night combat."

Results of the liberation of Budapest

The liberation of Budapest was completed on February 13, 1945. Fifty-six elite enemy divisions were routed in the battle for the Hungarian capital. Over 130,000 people were captured. The Red Army lost approximately 80,000 soldiers and officers.

The defeat of the German Army Group South opened the way to Austria, Hungary effectively left the war, and Hitler's troops lost their last accessible oil fields.

Medal "For the Capture of Budapest"

In June 1945, the Medal "For the Capture of Budapest" was established. It was awarded to more than 362,000 Red Army soldiers and commanders. This award held a special place in the USSR: the Medal "For the Capture of Budapest" on a soldier's chest meant one thing—the man had been through hell.

The staff of the State University of Management, ours, were also awarded with such medals.

Hero of the Soviet Union Alexander Davydov, Guards Lieutenant Colonel, Deputy Head of Department at the Research Laboratory of the Moscow Institute of Power Engineering and Management (MIEI-MIU) from 1962 to 1985; Gennady Belykh, Colonel, Head of the Educational and Methodological Department at MIEU; Petr Burov, Engineer Major, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs at MIEI from 1952 to 1962; Ivan Stalnoy, Engineer Major, Chief of Staff of the Railway Troops of the 3rd Ukrainian Front, Associate Professor of the Department of Structures and Designs at MIEI.

We remember their feat and honor their memory.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: February 13, 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.