From the Southern Shores to the Polar Frontier: FMBA of Russia Flag Raised at the North Pole

For the First Time in History, Russia’s Blood Service Flags Raised at the North Pole

In a powerful and symbolic gesture, the flags of the FMBA of Russia, the Arkhangelsk Blood Transfusion Station, the nationwide campaign “Donor Code: Defenders of the Fatherland,” and the National Healthcare Development Fund were raised at the North Pole, marking a first in the history of Russia’s Blood Service.

This historic event was made possible through the dedication of participants in the presidential leadership program “Time of Heroes”, including service members of the special military operation, prominent public figures, and athletes such as Alexander Legkov, Olympic gold medalist and silver medalist at the 2014 Winter Games. The initiative was led by Sergey Bobovnik, Chief Physician of the Arkhangelsk Blood Transfusion Station.

Earlier, on June 10, 2025, a ceremonial flag-handover was held at the Arkhangelsk Blood Transfusion Station. The flags were entrusted to Mikhail Korelsky, a long-time donor and state environmental inspector at Russian Arctic National Park, who was tasked with delivering them to the northernmost point of Earth's permafrost as part of a commemorative Arctic expedition honoring the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

Two weeks later, aboard the nuclear icebreaker 50 Let Pobedy ("50 Years of Victory"), a joint effort with the Victory Museum and Rosatom State Corporation, the expedition reached the North Pole. The team disembarked onto the polar ice and raised the flags in a solemn tribute to the memory of past heroes and their sacrifice.

This remarkable event was held as part of a series of initiatives marking the 80th anniversary of Victory Day and the nationwide campaign “Donor Code: Defenders of the Fatherland.” The campaign is organized by the FMBA of Russia, the Coordinating Council on Blood Donation under the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation, the National Healthcare Development Fund, and the Russian Red Cross.

“We’re deeply grateful to the expedition members and all who contributed to this inspiring moment,” said Olga Eikhler, Head of the Blood Service and Emergency Medicine Department at the FMBA of Russia.

“It’s incredibly meaningful that Donor Code: Defenders of the Fatherland, like the memory of our ancestors’ heroism brings people together, strengthens national unity, and instills pride in both past and present achievements across the country, from the southern seas to the Arctic frontier.”

As part of the campaign, the FMBA Blood Service continues its online project “Triangles: Stories That Must Be Told”, a moving series of virtual “front-line letters” published on social media.

“Triangles” tells the personal stories of wartime doctors and donors, voiced by actors and broadcasters based on real accounts from eyewitnesses of the Great Patriotic War, people whose courage and compassion helped save the lives of wounded soldiers and civilians alike.

The Donor Code campaign continues to bridge generations, proving that the legacy of wartime blood donors is not just a chapter in history, but a living force that continues to inspire those who defend life today.