Memorial Day for the Victims of the Crimean War is observed in Russia and Ukraine on September 9. This day commemorates the Siege of Sevastopol, which lasted from October 17, 1854, to September 9, 1855, and resulted in a significant defeat for the Russian Empire during the Crimean War. The war, fought between Russia and an alliance of France, the United Kingdom, the Ottoman Empire, and Sardinia, was primarily triggered by issues related to the rights of Christian minorities in the Holy Land. The siege itself involved six major battles and led to over 100,000 Russian casualties due to combat and disease. Observances mainly take place in Sevastopol, where solemn speeches and wreath-laying ceremonies at memorials are conducted. Additionally, many schools hold lessons dedicated to the events of the Siege of Sevastopol.