And so, from three tankers, only one remains.

I spent the night in agony. I lost a lot of blood.
Now, the pain that was burning in my chest seems to have eased.
My soul is at peace.

It’s painful that we didn’t get to do everything we wanted. But we did all we could.
Our comrades will drive the invaders away.
They must never tread on our lands or through our forests.

I wouldn’t have lived this life the way I did if it weren’t for you, Varia.
You were always my strength — at Halhin Gol and here.
Maybe those who truly love become kinder to others.

Thank you, my beloved.
People grow old, but the sky remains young — like your eyes —
Your eyes will never grow old.

Time will pass.
People will heal their wounds, build new cities, and plant orchards.
Another life will come. New songs will be sung.
But never forget the song about us — about the three tankers.

You’ll have beautiful children. You’ll love again.
And I’m happy to leave this world with a great love for you.

Yours,
Ivan Kolosov

***

Historical Context:
During the Second World War, in the German army’s summer offensive of 1941, the city of Chernihiv became a strategic point in their advance.
The Nazi occupation lasted from September 9, 1941, to September 21, 1943.

Three concentration camps were established in the city, and in total, over 52,000 residents and Soviet prisoners were killed during the war.