On 6 November, Ukraine celebrates the Day of Liberation of Kyiv, while the world marks the International Day for the Prevention of Environmental Exploitation during War and Armed Conflict, World Paperless Day and Saxophone Day.
Kyiv Liberation Day
This is an important date in the history of Ukraine, as it was on this day in 1943 during the Second World War that Kyiv was liberated from the Nazi invaders during the large-scale Kyiv Offensive, which lasted from 3 to 13 November. This was one of the most important stages of Ukraine’s liberation from the occupiers and symbolises a significant victory that came at the cost of numerous human lives.
The operation was carried out by the troops of the First Ukrainian Front under the command of Army General Mykola Vatutin. The main goal was to capture Kyiv by 7 November, the main holiday in the USSR, which significantly accelerated the timing of the operation. Because of this, the ferocity of the fighting was extraordinary, and the price of victory was terribly high. According to official figures, the battle for Kyiv cost Soviet troops about 417,000 lives – the total number of deaths in the formations that took part in the offensive. German losses, according to official statistics, amounted to approximately 400,000 soldiers. However, according to various sources, the Soviet losses could have reached as many as a million dead… Eternal memory to the fallen!
More than 2500 Soviet soldiers were awarded the Gold Star medal for crossing the Dnipro River and liberating Kyiv, and 65 military units and formations were given the honorary title of ‘Kyivan’.
Interesting facts
On the day of the liberation of Kyiv, the valiant soldiers of the First Ukrainian Front were honoured with a solemn salute – 24 volleys from 342 guns, which was the first such large salute during the entire war. On 8 November 1943, immediately after the liberation of Kyiv, the Order of Victory, the highest military award, was established. The first to receive it were Marshals Georgy Zhukov and Alexander Vasilevsky, who coordinated the actions of the fronts in the Battle of the Dnipro.
One of the most difficult parts of the operation was the crossing of the Dnipro River. It was one of the largest military manoeuvres in the war, during which the troops had to cross the river under intense enemy fire.
The partisans played an important role in the liberation of Kyiv, inflicting significant losses on the enemy and coordinating with the advancing troops. Their actions helped greatly during the preparation and conduct of the operation.
The occupation of Kyiv lasted 778 days. During this time, the Nazis killed more than 195,000 civilians, and more than 100,000 Kyiv residents were forcibly deported to Germany for forced labour. Before the war, Kyiv had about 900,000 inhabitants, but after the occupation, the city was almost empty.
Numerous monuments and memorials have been erected to commemorate the liberation of Kyiv, including the famous Memorial of Eternal Glory in Pechersk. On this day, veterans, city residents and official delegations lay flowers at the monuments and graves of the fallen, honouring the memory of the liberators.
The Day of Liberation of Kyiv reminds us of the horrors of war, the importance of unity and the readiness of Ukrainians to fight for their land. In today’s context, when Ukraine is once again facing challenges and the need to defend its independence, this date is of particular importance as it symbolises the strength, resilience and indomitable spirit of the people.
International Day for the Prevention of Environmental Exploitation in War and Armed Conflict
This day was established by the UN General Assembly in 2001 to draw attention to the devastating impact of warfare on the environment, including natural resources, forests, water bodies and soil. This day reminds us that in times of conflict, nature becomes a silent victim, suffering serious and sometimes irreparable damage.
During hostilities, chemicals, oil products and other toxic substances are released into the soil and water bodies, polluting the ecosystem. This has serious consequences for biodiversity and can affect people living in these regions.
Military operations are often accompanied by significant deforestation and damage to natural habitats for animals and plants. Fires caused by explosions destroy large areas of the natural environment, which worsens the climate situation.
Explosions, the burning of oil products and the use of chemical weapons cause air pollution that harms human and animal health. Toxic substances can settle on the soil and in the air, remaining in the environment for a long time.
During conflicts, parties may use natural resources to finance their actions, leading to the depletion of important resources such as oil, gas, water and minerals. This type of exploitation deprives local populations of the resources they depend on and can fuel further conflict.
Military operations cause large emissions of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which worsens the climate and contributes to global warming. As war destroys infrastructure, it also leads to additional environmental problems due to the lack of proper waste management.
The UN proclaimed this day to raise awareness of the need to protect nature even in times of conflict. After all, damage to the environment can have long-term consequences, affecting peaceful life, economic recovery and stability in post-conflict regions.
Modern wars, unfortunately, often affect the environment, and Ukraine is an example of a country that suffers not only from the destruction of infrastructure but also from threats to its nature. The loss of ecosystems, land and water pollution are problems that the country will have to deal with for many years after the conflict ends.
In today’s context, when Ukraine is suffering the devastation of military aggression, environmental protection is of particular importance. Restoring the environment will be an important part of post-war rehabilitation, as healthy nature is the basis for life and economic prosperity for any nation.
World Paperless Day
This is an annual event that aims to draw attention to the environmental problems associated with the use of paper and encourage a reduction in its consumption. On this day, organisations, companies and individuals around the world try to minimise the use of paper documents, emphasising the benefits of digital technologies and environmentally friendly solutions.
Interesting facts
The first forms of paper were invented in China around 105 AD by court official Cai Lun. The invention spread quickly, and now paper is an integral part of our lives.
It takes about 24,000 litres of water and 17 trees to produce one tonne of paper. Paper production also causes carbon dioxide emissions, which increases the greenhouse effect.
According to statistics, the average office worker uses approximately 10,000 sheets of paper per year. About 45% of them are thrown away in the first days after printing.
The use of electronic documents, cloud storage and digital signatures significantly reduces the need for printed materials. Digitalisation also reduces the likelihood of losing important documents and simplifies their storage.
Some countries are already actively working to create ‘digital governments’ where all documents will be converted into electronic format. This will reduce bureaucracy and help to conserve natural resources.
Ukraine is already actively developing electronic services. For example, the Diia app allows you to store passports, driving licences and student cards, which significantly reduces the need for paper documents.
Saxophone Day
Today, musicians and jazz fans celebrate a holiday in honour of this iconic musical instrument, which has gained popularity in jazz, blues, rock music and even classical music. This date was not chosen by chance: it coincides with the birthday of Adolphe Sax, a Belgian musician and inventor of the saxophone.
Interesting facts
Adolphe Sachs patented the saxophone in 1846, aiming to create an instrument that would combine the volume of copper brass with the flexibility of woodwinds. The saxophone became the only widely known instrument named after its creator.
There are several types of saxophones, including soprano, alto, tenor and baritone, which differ in size, sound range and use in different musical styles. For example, the tenor saxophone is often associated with jazz, while the alto saxophone is associated with classical music.
Although originally created for military bands, the saxophone became a symbol of jazz in the early 20th century. Such prominent musicians as Charlie Parker, John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins made the saxophone one of the most famous jazz instruments.
In the 50s and 60s, the saxophone became popular in rock music. Saxophone parts can be heard in many rock and roll hits, and legendary solos have become an integral part of the sound of such artists as David Bowie and Bruce Springsteen.
Despite the saxophone’s association with jazz and pop music, it also finds a place in classical music. Composers such as Maurice Ravel and Claude Debussy created works that include the saxophone, using its unique timbre to express deep emotions.
The saxophone also has its own audience in Ukraine, where the number of schools and festivals dedicated to this instrument is growing. In particular, Ukrainian saxophonists are increasingly demonstrating their talents at international competitions, raising interest in this instrument.
Historical events on this day
1860 – Abraham Lincoln is elected the 16th President of the United States of America. Lincoln became the first president from the Republican Party, and his election was a harbinger of the US Civil War. Lincoln is known for his strong commitment to preserving the unity of the country and abolishing slavery, which had a decisive impact on the further development of American history.
1932 – the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (NSDAP), led by Adolf Hitler, wins the majority of votes in the German elections. This laid the groundwork for his rise to power, which had catastrophic consequences for Europe and led to the Second World War.
1944 – Kyiv radio station was rebuilt and started working again, playing a significant role in disseminating information and strengthening ties between different regions of the country in the post-war period.
1951 – The Kyiv Professional Television Centre was launched at 26 Khreshchatyk Street in Kyiv. This was the beginning of the history of Ukrainian television, which became an important tool for the development of media and culture in Ukraine.
1962 – The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution condemning the apartheid policy in South Africa and calling on UN members to end economic and military relations with the country. Subsequently, in 1973, the UN declared apartheid a ‘crime against humanity’ and in 1974 expelled South Africa from the organisation. The apartheid policy was abolished only in 1993.
1984 – Republican Ronald Reagan won the US presidential election for the second time. His ‘Reaganomics’ policy of tax cuts and economic deregulation, as well as his strong foreign policy stance towards the USSR, had a significant impact on the course of the Cold War.
1991 – The Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) was dissolved. This was one of the key moments in the collapse of the USSR, a symbol of the collapse of the Soviet system and the beginning of a period of democratic reforms in the countries of the former Soviet Union.
1999 – In Australia, 54.5% of voters in a referendum voted against declaring the country a republic, retaining the British monarch as the formal head of state.
Cesare Lombroso’s birthday
On 6 November 1835, Cesare Lombroso, a prominent Italian psychiatrist, forensic physician and founder of the anthropological approach to criminology, was born in the Austrian city of Verona. Born into a Jewish family under the name Hezekiah Marco Lombroso, he was considered one of the first to propose the theory of the ‘born criminal’. His theories were revolutionary for criminology, shifting the focus from the study of the crime itself to the personality of the criminal.
At the age of 21, while still a medical student, Lombroso was imprisoned for suspicion of conspiracy against the government. After his release, in order to avoid unnecessary attention from the authorities, he obtained a medical degree under the name Cesare Lombroso.
Working as a military doctor, Lombroso took part in the Austro-Italian-French war, and afterwards he completed his internship at renowned clinics in Vienna and Paris. Later, he was appointed chief physician of the psychiatric hospital in Pesaro, where he began to create his personal kunstkammer from the skulls and skeletons of dead soldiers. It was then that he developed an interest in criminology, in particular the psychology of criminals.
Lombroso’s first experiments involved showing suspects various images related to and unrelated to the crime, while measuring their reactions. Based on changes in pulse and blood pressure, Lombroso drew conclusions about the truthfulness or falsity of the testimony. These experiments became a prerequisite for the creation of a modern lie detector, which was then called a hydrophysiometer.
One of Lombroso’s main ideas was his famous theory of the ‘natural born criminal’, according to which the propensity to commit crimes is due to innate physiological and psychological characteristics. Lombroso described the types of criminals by their external features – for example, ‘a murderer is given away by a glassy gaze and a hawkish nose, a thief by a straight nose and a small skull, and a rapist by large ears and plump lips’.
Lombroso believed that those with the physical traits of a ‘born criminal’ should be isolated from society or even put to death. He also had views on genius, arguing that it borders on mental disorders. Lombroso noted that women are also prone to crime, but that their behaviour is based on the instinct to reproduce.
During his visit to Moscow, Lombroso met Leo Tolstoy, to whom he shared his ideas. Tolstoy was critical of Lombroso’s concepts, calling him a ‘simple-minded and limited old man’, and ridiculed his theories in his novel Resurrection.
Although today the theory of the ‘natural born criminal’ is considered unfounded, Lombroso’s ideas gave impetus to the development of criminology. His research became the basis for the subsequent work of scholars such as Harvard anthropologist Ernest Hooton, who also examined the physical traits of criminals.
Lombroso made a significant contribution to forensic medicine. From the first medical examinations carried out in ancient Rome to modern forensic science, which uses the smallest biological samples to solve crimes, Lombroso’s legacy lives on in scientific approaches to the study of crime and human behaviour.
