FMBA of Russia Unveils “Triangles: Stories That Must Be Told” – A Tribute to Wartime Heroes

On March 27, 2025, the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation hosted the presentation of a new online initiative titled “Triangles: Stories That Must Be Told.” This special project is designed to strengthen the connection between generations and shed light on the heroic contributions of medical professionals and blood donors during the Great Patriotic War—individuals whose actions saved countless lives.

The online initiative is part of the broader nationwide campaign “Donor Code: Defenders of the Fatherland,” which features a series of events across Russia aimed at preserving historical memory and promoting the culture of blood donation.

What makes “Triangles: Stories That Must Be Told” unique is its open, nationwide format. The stories of these heroes are published on the official digital platforms of the Blood Service in the style of wartime "triangular letters"—virtual first-person letters meant to immerse the reader in the atmosphere of that era. The project includes a symbolic “relay” between Blood Service institutions across the country, echoing the way letters were passed along the front.

“This is our way of bringing to life the stories of those who, both on the frontlines and behind the scenes, made sure wounded soldiers received lifesaving blood. It’s especially important for us to highlight the work of the Blood Service during the Great Patriotic War through personal stories. By publishing these digital versions of frontline letters on social media and messaging platforms, we’re building a bridge between generations. These triangle letters from the past serve as a powerful reminder of how every person’s contribution mattered in the victory effort,” said Olga Eikhler, Head of the Blood Service and Emergency Medicine Department at the FMBA of Russia.

The format of virtual correspondence creates an opportunity not only to share personal stories and the history of the Blood Service during wartime but also to foster a conversation between eras. The project will conclude at the end of 2025, a year officially declared by the President of Russia as the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland and marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

Anyone can participate in the project by sharing a story online, using the style of the nationwide campaign “Donor Code: Defenders of the Fatherland” and the online initiative, and adding hashtags like #DonorCodeDefendersOfTheFatherland, #StoriesThatMatter, #Triangles (#КоддонораЗащитникиОтечества, #ИсторииКоторыеНужны, #Треугольнички.).

The project will run through December 2025. It is organized by the FMBA of Russia, the Coordination Council on Blood and Bone Marrow Donation under the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation, the National Health Development Foundation, and the Russian Red Cross, with support from the Presidential Grants Foundation.