Yelena Georgiyevna Bonner, born on February 15, 1923, was a prominent human rights activist in the former Soviet Union, known for her unwavering honesty and courage. She was born in Merv, Turkestan ASSR, Soviet Union, to parents involved in communist activism. Bonner's life was deeply affected by the Stalinist purges, as her father was arrested and executed, and her mother endured years of imprisonment and exile. Bonner herself served as a head nurse in the Red Army during World War II and later pursued a career in medicine, obtaining a degree in pediatrics. In 1972, she married physicist and human rights activist Andrei Sakharov, with whom she became deeply involved in the Soviet human rights movement. Bonner's activism extended to defending political prisoners and advocating for human rights, leading to her own arrest and exile. Following Sakharov's death in 1989, she continued her advocacy work, establishing the Andrei Sakharov Foundation and remaining outspoken on democracy and human rights in Russia and globally. Yelena Bonner's legacy as a fearless advocate for human rights and freedom continues to inspire many.

Yelena Nikolaevna Romanova (Russian: Елена Николаевна Романова; 20 March 1963 – 28 January 2007) was a renowned Russian distance runner and Olympic gold medalist in 1992. Tragically, she passed away at the age of 43 under unknown circumstances in her flat in Volgograd. At the time of her untimely death, Romanova was working as an athletics coach at a local sports school and was also involved with members of the Russian athletic team. Her legacy lives on through her remarkable achievements and contributions to the world of athletics. Romanova's impact is remembered and celebrated in the athletic community and beyond. For more information about her accomplishments and career, her profile can be found on World Athletics and Olympedia.

Yelena 'Lena' Grigoryeva (1977/1978 – July 21, 2019) was a prominent human rights and LGBTQ rights activist known for her fierce opposition to the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation. Tragically, she was murdered in St. Petersburg, Russia, sparking widespread outrage and concerns over the safety of LGBTQ+ individuals in the country. Grigoryeva's advocacy extended to various causes, including the support of the Khachaturian sisters, participation in anti-war and pro-democracy demonstrations, and protests against Russia's military activities in Ukraine and domestic violence. She also campaigned for the release of Crimean Tatars living in occupied Crimea and was a vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin's policies. Grigoryeva had been subjected to numerous death threats, both online and offline, prior to her untimely death, leading many to suspect a political motive behind the murder. Despite official dismissals and attempts to discredit her, Grigoryeva's legacy continues to inspire activism for LGBTQ+ rights and human rights in Russia and beyond.