The Russian newspaper Izvestia has reprinted its historic May 9, 1945, edition to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory Day in the Great Patriotic War, when the Soviet Union defeated Nazi Germany during WWII.

The issue, originally published on the day of Nazi Germany’s surrender, includes the official announcement of Victory, the order of the Supreme Commander, poems, and wartime reflections.

Despite advancements in publishing technology, the reprint was created using the same quality and style as the original, with red ink highlighting the main news, as was done during the scarcity of 1945.

The edition also preserves its sole original image: a photograph of Red Army soldiers on a tank in Berlin, taken by Izvestia correspondent Georgy Samsonov.

Nationwide distribution, symbolic deliveries

On May 6, Izvestia reported that copies of the reprint had been distributed to museums across Russia and to military personnel in various regions, including Zaporozhye and the Lugansk People's Republic (LNR). A special edition was also provided to the consolidated detachment of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Special presentation at the Red Square Parade

Participants in the upcoming Victory Day Parade on Red Square will also receive copies of the historic newspaper. The reprint will also travel aboard the symbolic "Victory Train", spreading the message of remembrance and resilience nationwide.

The commemorative edition features poetic lines by Vasily Lebedev-Kumach, including those famously recited at the time of Victory: "We won! In these two words, our reward is for sweat and blood and torment..."

These words were read aloud by Izvestia editor-in-chief Sergei Koroteev, highlighting the emotional resonance of the reprint. The poem marks both the beginning and end of the war in public memory, with Lebedev-Kumach’s earlier work “The Holy War” having been published just days after the German invasion in 1941.

Preserving legacy through print and cultural events

Andrey Malakhov, commercial director of the printing house, emphasized the importance of replicating the 1945 print style, noting the value placed on wartime editions.

Izvestia archive editor Tatiana Kireeva shared anecdotes from the front, including Leonid Kudrevatykh’s description of the tense surrender proceedings, where German Field Marshal Keitel’s hands trembled as he signed the documents.

Additionally, the edition was presented at the Lenin Library, where Tamara Ivanova noted that while her family preserved many wartime artifacts, they lacked original newspapers.

International recognition: UN concert commemorates victory over Nazism

On May 6, a concert celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War was held at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

Performances by the Turkish Choir and the SOPRANO art group featured wartime songs. The event was attended by veterans, diplomats, and UN staff, underscoring global recognition of the Soviet Union's role in defeating Nazism.

Read more: Victory Day in Russia: Commemorating the past amid present tensions