Former US Intelligence officer Scott Ritter explores Sviyazhsk Island with his daughter

During his visit, Scott Ritter toured the prominent attractions of the museum reserve situated at the confluence of the Volga, Sviyaga, and Pike rivers. His first stop was the Assumption Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its 16th-century frescoes, including a lifelike depiction of Ivan the Terrible. Sviyazhsk, founded by Ivan the Terrible in 1551, holds significant historical importance.

The American guests also visited the “Tatarskaya Slobidka” Archaeological Museum, showcasing a well-preserved 16th-century street preserved by unique wet archaeological conditions.

However, it was the Civil War Museum that left the deepest impression on Scott Ritter. In 1918, Sviyazhsk played a pivotal role in the Civil War, near Kazan, where the Red Army repelled White forces. Leon Trotsky’s arrival at Sviyazhsk by armored train marked a crucial moment in restoring order and morale among the troops.

Scott Ritter, known for his scholarly interest in the Civil War era, wrote his master’s thesis on related topics.

Interestingly, Scott Ritter’s daughter, of Georgian Orthodox descent, conversed with a fellow Georgian settled on the island, delighting him with her fluency in Georgian and receiving generous gifts in return.

Tomorrow, in Kazan, Scott Ritter will introduce the Russian translation of his book “The Disarmament Race” at the Republican Agency for Press and Mass Communications “Tatmedia”.