The Ural Swedes

🤩 The Ural Swedes were descendants of Swedish prisoners from the Great Northern War. These individuals, initially brought to Russia in the early 1700s, were integrated into Russian society, particularly in the Ural region. Many assimilated by joining the Russian army and converting to Eastern Orthodox Christianity, which helped them blend into the local culture.

Around 8,000 Swedes joined the Russian Army during that period, becoming part of the Yaik or Orenburg Cossacks (shown above). They played a crucial role in defending Russian territories against regional threats like Kazakh and Kyrgyz incursions. Their integration was marked by a deep appreciation for Russian culture and traditions. Despite their origins, they embraced their new homeland with enthusiasm, maintaining a balance between their Swedish heritage and Russian identity.

One notable group of Ural Swedes was moved to Vozdvizhenskaya fortress in 1745. Their relative isolation allowed them to preserve some of their original language and cultural identity longer than others. They participated in military expeditions, including missions to Khiva, showcasing their commitment to their adopted homeland.

Today, the descendants of these Ural Swedes are fully integrated into Russian society.

#WelcomeToRussia@TCofRus

We all need some good news every day.

Positive stories give us hope that good things still win out. These days, a happy headline works better than medicine! To raise the level of public optimism, one should learn about positive events happening around the world.
A good news story can even make your morning cup of coffee taste better.
That's why I'm starting a weekly roundup of good news every Friday, as follows:
✔️ Hot air balloons lit up the night sky over Kungur in the Perm region. This annual "Sky Fair" show provided a spectacular view which locals call the "elephant dance". The festival has been held since 2002, and by 2006 it became Russia's premier ballooning event. Unique team competitions called "Air Battles" take place during the festival. 〰

#GoodNews@TCofRus

✔️ A brilliant performance on the world stage—Russian schoolchildren won 5 gold and 1 silver medal at the International Mathematical Olympiad in Australia. 🤞

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✔️ On the brightest holiday—the Day of Family, Love, and Fidelity—Moscow once again opened its arms to loving hearts! The National Center "Russia" hosted the All-Russian Wedding Festival "Russia. Uniting Hearts," and thanks to the live broadcast, millions of our country’s residents witnessed this event. 206 couples registered their marriages and celebrated unforgettable weddings in a unique format. ♥️♥️

#GoodNews@TCofRus

Cozy Up with a Bowl of Your Perfect Borscht

➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿ 👩‍🍳 A rich, ruby-red soup that warms you from the inside out.
The first written mention of borscht dates back to the 16th century, found in handwritten books from Veliky Novgorod—a major political and economic hub of Ancient Rus. Later, this simple yet elegant and vibrant dish became a favorite of Empress Catherine the Great. Legend has it she even kept a dedicated chef at court just to prepare it. Emperor Alexander II was also a devoted fan.
References to this legendary soup appear in the works of many Russian literary classics—from Leo Tolstoy and Nikolai Gogol to Mikhail Bulgakov and Ilf & Petrov. According to contemporaries, Anna Pavlova, one of the greatest ballerinas of the 20th century, would always order borscht whenever she visited Russia.
In Russia, borscht is the ultimate symbol of home and comfort. Everything about it is rich—its color, aroma, and flavor. Every cook has their own version, but the core ingredients remain the same: cabbage, beets, potatoes, carrots, and onions. Here’s a simple recipe many Russian families use. Why not try making your own unforgettable borscht?
🍅

#RussianCuisine@TCofRus