New poetry anthology honors women's wartime courage in Primorye

A new poetry anthology celebrating the courage of women during wartime has been unveiled in Primorye. The collection features works by mothers, wives, and daughters—some on the front lines, others supporting from home. The event drew veterans, students, volunteers, and journalists for an evening of readings and music.

The presentation took place under the patronage of Primorye Governor Oleg Kozhemyako, who highlighted the bravery of women in difficult times. His wife, Irina Gerasimenko, joined Olga Protasova, leader of Mothers of Russia and a poet, in introducing the anthology. Tatyana Zabolotskaya, head of the local Mothers of Russia branch, also addressed the audience.

Valeria Azarova, a soloist from the philharmonic, opened the evening with the wartime anthem *Deliver to My Beloved*. Among the poets were participants in the *Heroes of Primorye* programme, including Irina Kim, a veteran of the special military operation, who recited verses about Donbas. Svetlana Abdrakhmanova, a mother of many children, performed her poem *A Mother’s Prayer* on stage. A fighter known as *Flame* shared his own poems and songs, written while recovering in hospital. Irina Shevchuk from Kavalerovo read works about women sending supplies and letters to the front. The event was hosted by Elena Bronnikova, Primorye’s Minister of Culture and Archives.

The anthology brings together voices from different walks of life—soldiers, mothers, and volunteers—united by their wartime experiences. Their poems and songs now stand as a tribute to resilience and solidarity in challenging times.