What happened in Russia’s history in the second week of February? Among other things, the recipe of modern vodka was written, the treaty that put an end to World War II was signed and Soviet troops liberated one of the largest German concentration camps. Also, we will talk about the story of two great Russian writers: Pushkin and Solzhenitsyn. We will also find out how one of the largest diamonds in the world ended up in the hands of a Russian tsar or who won the first world figure skating championships.

Do you love videogames? Then you should know that there is a very interesting museum in Moscow dedicated to old Soviet Arcade Machines. Videogames are not only a Japanese thing. After all, one of the most popular videogames in history (Tetris) was created in Russia. Now let’s have a look at some old Soviet video games.

The first week of February begins with the end of one of the longest sieges in WWII. Speaking of wars, also in February, the only war in history without battles came to an end. But apart from wars, other events happened in the first week of February: a Russian scientist achieved major advances in radio broadcasting, new theories of geometry were created and new Soviet space missions were successful. Also, we will talk about the day the Moscow metro was set in motion and about the opening day of one of the largest museums in the world.

Everyone knows that on April 12, 1961 Yuri Gagarin, aboard the Vostok 1 spacecraft made the first manned space flight in history. But let’s remember some less known facts, but very interesting, about the trip.

The end of January comes with very interesting historical facts. In the last week of January, almost 200 years ago, Russia discovered the last continent on Earth. We will also talk about the event that happened in the city of St. Petersburg in different years: the day the city was renamed after Lenin’s death and the end of its siege during World War II. And speaking of warfare facts, the last week of January witnessed the first sinking of a ship by torpedo and the biggest attack of a Soviet submarine fleet. Finally we will remember the opening day of the first American fast-food restaurant in Russia, which also happened in the last week of January.

The Red Square (КраснаяПлощадь in Russian) is famous, huge, and, above all, it is surrounded by sites, monuments and buildings that you cannot miss out on. It is a massive space, 300 meters long and 70 meters wide, and throughout history it has been used as a marketplace, as the stage to crown tsar or for parades. Nowadays, every May 9 the largest military parade in Russia takes place here.

When did you start learning Russian? Maybe some time ago. Maybe you don’t see any improvement. Maybe you are stressed and can’t sleep at night because of that… Why don’t you just start counting sheep in Russian? You will sleep better, and you will be learning Russian!

The second week of January is written by two of the most prominent figures in Russian history: on the one hand, the first revolutionary in history, considered a hero by the communist government. On the other hand, an admiral and explorer whose government called him a traitor. In addition, we will read about the creation of the province of Moscow, the first change of calendar in Russia, and the first tsar in history. And finally, the story of the relics from one of the most venerated saints in the Russian Orthodox Church.

In the first part of this article, we discovered that Arzamas-16 was a Soviet city that for years could not be found on any map. Its origin lies in the need to create a nuclear bomb to balance forces against the US. The Soviet Union considered that a secret city would be the best defense against American spies. And maybe they were right.

New Year is almost here! It's time to say “С новым годом!” (pronounce it "s nó-vym gó-dam") Happy New Year!. Do you want to know how Russian celebrate Christmas? Then read this and find out what happens in Russia in the days between the end of December and January 14th… it’s Russian Christmas time!