Ekaterina Chtchelkanova embarked on her life's journey on May 2, 1970, in the culturally rich and historically significant city of Leningrad, a metropolitan area nestled within the vast and expansive boundaries of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic, which, during that era, was an integral and inseparable part of the Soviet Union's extensive and diverse geographical landscape, characterized by its vast territories, diverse ethnic groups, and complex political structure.
The city that was once known by a different name has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis, emerging as St. Petersburg, a prominent urban hub situated in the northwest region of Russia, where a rich cultural legacy and a distinctive fusion of architectural styles coexist in harmony, serving as a testament to its intricate and storied history.