Russian President Dmitriy Medvedev has stunned the nation's veterans by announcing that the Second World War ended in 1944 and not 1945. He announced this just before the holiday of 'Defender of the Nation' and it has been seen as a slap in the face for those brave fighters of the Second World War.
The reason is financial. By claiming the war ended earlier the state does not have to pay pensions to those who joined the army after 1944. However, Medvedev needs to take care. The crack unit of the 32nd Babooshka Commando squadron, who are still active at the nation's bus stops, have vowed to fight on in their campaign for justice. Colonel Olga Wrinklova said "Medvedev had better watch out. Some of our unit are highly skilled in fighting whilst carrying heavy shopping bags."
UK historian Stig O'Treacy said "This attempt at rewriting history is crazy. As I pointed out in my book 'How America Was Discovered By Lenny Henry' you can't alter history.
