President Vladimir Putin on Monday conferred the honorary title of "City of Military Glory" on the far eastern city of Khabarovsk for its contribution in defending the country during World War II.
The title "was awarded for courage, fortitude and heroism displayed by the defenders of the city in the struggle for the freedom and independence of the Fatherland," Putin said in a decree published on the Kremlin's website.
Khabarovsk joins 37 other cities in receiving the title, which was established by Putin in 2006 and should not be confused with the "Hero City" award, which the Soviet Union bestowed on 12 cities for their heroism during World War II.
The title of "City of Military Glory" means that Khabarovsk, the second-largest city in the Far East and located just 30 kilometers from the Chinese border, will receive a monument decorated with its coat of arms and the text of Putin's decree. It also will host public events and fireworks on Defender of the Fatherland Day on Feb. 23, Victory Day on May 9 and its City Day on May 31.
It joins the likes of Arkhangelsk, Oryol, Pskov and Tver in receiving the award.
The "Hero City" title, which was awarded to places like Moscow, Leningrad, Kiev and Minsk, came with an Order of Lenin, a Gold Star medal, a certificate from the presidium of the Supreme Soviet and an obelisk.
No city has received both titles.
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