In Photos: Russia Marks 80th Anniversary of Stalingrad Victory
Russian officials and citizens staged a number of events this week to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Stalingrad — a key World War II battle that saw Soviet forces beat back invading Nazi troops — as the war in Ukraine neared its one-year mark.
The battle, which lasted from August 1942 to February 1943, claimed an estimated 2 million lives. It continues to hold great significance for many Russians as a major victory that helped pave the way to the Nazis' defeat in 1945.
Many of the commemorations took place in the city of Volgograd, which had been named Stalingrad from 1925 to 1961 after Soviet dictator Josef Stalin.
Here's a look at some of the events taking place surrounding the anniversary:
The battle, which lasted from August 1942 to February 1943, claimed an estimated 2 million lives. It continues to hold great significance for many Russians as a major victory that helped pave the way to the Nazis' defeat in 1945.
Many of the commemorations took place in the city of Volgograd, which had been named Stalingrad from 1925 to 1961 after Soviet dictator Josef Stalin.
Here's a look at some of the events taking place surrounding the anniversary:
A ceremony to unveil a new bust of Josef Stalin at the entrance to the Battle of Stalingrad panorama-museum in Volgograd.
The monument is only the second such contemporary monument dedicated to the Soviet dictator in Volgograd.
The monument is only the second such contemporary monument dedicated to the Soviet dictator in Volgograd.
Artem Krasnov / Kommersant
A road sign reading "Stalingrad" is seen on the side of a road entering the city of Volgograd on Jan. 31. Authorities temporarily replace the signs at the city's entrances and exits each year as part of the anniversary celebrations.
AFP
President Vladimir Putin on Thursday laid a wreath at the Eternal Flame in the Hall of Military Glory on the Mamayev Kurgan hillside.
Press service of the Volgograd region governor / kremlin.ru
Putin with Presidential Envoy to the Southern Federal District Vladimir Ustinov (right) and Volgograd region Governor Andrei Bocharov.
Press service of the Volgograd region governor / kremlin.ru
Volunteers take part in a ceremony to unveil monuments to Stalin, Soviet Marshals Georgy Zhukov and Alexander Vasilevsky by the Battle of Stalingrad museum-panorama
Dmitry Rogulin / TASS
A woman poses by the newly unveiled bronze bust of Stalin.
The Soviet leader’s approval in Russia has been on the rise in recent years, with some officials downplaying the atrocities and repressions he oversaw and glorifying his leadership during World War II.
The Soviet leader’s approval in Russia has been on the rise in recent years, with some officials downplaying the atrocities and repressions he oversaw and glorifying his leadership during World War II.
AFP
A ceremony to rebury the remains of Soviet soldiers killed in the Battle of Stalingrad at a memorial ground in the village of Rossoshka on Volgograd's outskirts.
AFP
Historical re-enactors pictured at the "Soldier's Halt" military-historical reconstruction in Volgograd.
Volgograd Administration
The "Stalingrad Fighting" exhibition at the State Central Museum of Contemporary History of Russia in Moscow.
Alexander Avilov / Moskva News Agency
The "Stalingrad Fighting" exhibition at the State Central Museum of Contemporary History of Russia in Moscow.
Alexander Avilov / Moskva News Agency
The "Stalingrad Fighting" exhibition at the State Central Museum of Contemporary History of Russia in Moscow.
Alexander Avilov / Moskva News Agency
The "Stalingrad Fighting" exhibition at the State Central Museum of Contemporary History of Russia in Moscow.
Alexander Avilov / Moskva News Agency
The "Stalingrad Fighting" exhibition at the State Central Museum of Contemporary History of Russia in Moscow.
Alexander Avilov / Moskva News Agency
The "Stalingrad Fighting" exhibition at the State Central Museum of Contemporary History of Russia in Moscow.
Alexander Avilov / Moskva News Agency
The "Stalingrad Fighting" exhibition at the State Central Museum of Contemporary History of Russia in Moscow.
Alexander Avilov / Moskva News Agency
