Mityaeva Olga Ivanovna

The article discusses the connection between literature and politics on the example of Aleksandr S. Pushkin (1799–1837). Already the first poetic works by Pushkin reflect his civic thought and ideas about the rule of law. An analysis of his works of fiction and non-fiction shows that he used scholarly and literary approaches for the analysis of Russia’s past and the assessment of existing problems. He denied schematism in the interpretation of the past, advocated progress based on the wise ruling the country, citizenship, and patriotism of the people, supported the idea of reforms leading to the elimination of serfdom and the autocracy, but his good and visionary advice was not heard. On the contrary, he was sent into exile, first to the south, then to Mikhailovskoye. After his release from exile in 1826, he was under police surveillance. The historical role of his works lies in the fact that he played a significant role in the growth of national consciousness and public interest in politics.

The article is devoted to the defense of the historical truth about the Soviet Union’s decisive role in the defeat of Nazi Germany, the historical truth that is being subjected to new and often unprecedented attacks in the contemporary world. The challenges, prospects and potential of actualizing a set of facts and evidence that in the postwar period became the basis for the formation and strengthening of a reliable academic system of ideas about the causes of World War II, the USSR’s role in that conflict, and the USSR’s decisive contribution to the victory over Nazism are analyzed. The problems associated with Western governments’ deliberate attempts to delete many facts about World War II, its course, and causes from educational and public and civic discourse are considered. Within the complex of testimonies, which are not always given due consideration in the contemporary world, the article examines the high praise given by the anti-Hitler coalition countries’ leaders for the heroism and heroic deeds of the Red Army. Protecting the historical memory of the dedication and unity of people on the frontline and on the home front for the approach of Victory, and the historical memory of the great price paid by the Soviet soldier, the Soviet people for the liberation of Europe and all of humanity from Nazism, is seen as a necessary condition for creating a decent, secure future for the entire world.