On February 2, 2013, Russia commemorates the 70th anniversary of the epic 200-day battle of Stalingrad.
© RIA Novosti . Kirill Braga / Go to the mediabankOn February 2, 2013, Russia commemorates the 70th anniversary of the epic 200-day battle of Stalingrad.
On February 2, 2013, Russia commemorates the 70th anniversary of the epic 200-day battle of Stalingrad.
© RIA Novosti . Kirill Braga / Go to the mediabankThe massive pivotal battle started on July 17, 1942 and ended on February 2, 1943 with the surrender of the Axis forces. A total of around two million people were killed on both sides. The battle became one of the key victory symbols in Russia.
The massive pivotal battle started on July 17, 1942 and ended on February 2, 1943 with the surrender of the Axis forces. A total of around two million people were killed on both sides. The battle became one of the key victory symbols in Russia.
© RIA Novosti . Kirill Braga / Go to the mediabankSome 11,000 WWII veterans, who fought at Stalingrad, are alive today.
Some 11,000 WWII veterans, who fought at Stalingrad, are alive today.
© RIA Novosti . Kirill Braga / Go to the mediabankThe city of Volgograd regained its war-time name, Stalingrad, for one day to mark the 70th anniversary of the epic battle.
The city of Volgograd regained its war-time name, Stalingrad, for one day to mark the 70th anniversary of the epic battle.
© RIA Novosti . Kirill Braga / Go to the mediabankThe decision was made “after numerous requests” from World War II veterans, the city government said.
The decision was made “after numerous requests” from World War II veterans, the city government said.
© RIA Novosti . Alexey Druzhinin / Go to the mediabankRussian President Vladimir Putin visited the city’s main World War II memorial, “Mamayev Kurgan.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the city’s main World War II memorial, “Mamayev Kurgan.”
© RIA Novosti . Kirill Braga / Go to the mediabankVolgograd, which is dotted with memorial sites dedicated to the Battle of Stalingrad, hosted a parade to mark the anniversary.
Volgograd, which is dotted with memorial sites dedicated to the Battle of Stalingrad, hosted a parade to mark the anniversary.
© RIA Novosti . Kirill Braga / Go to the mediabankHundreds of soldiers marched wearing present-day and Soviet-era uniforms across a square in downtown Volgograd.
Hundreds of soldiers marched wearing present-day and Soviet-era uniforms across a square in downtown Volgograd.
© RIA Novosti . Kirill Braga / Go to the mediabankT-34, a legendary Soviet tank from the Battle of Stalingrad museum, was heading the parade.
T-34, a legendary Soviet tank from the Battle of Stalingrad museum, was heading the parade.
© RIA Novosti . Sergey Mamontov / Go to the mediabankThe parade in Voldograd was modest compared to the pompous Victory Day celebrations traditionally held every year in Moscow on May 9.
The parade in Voldograd was modest compared to the pompous Victory Day celebrations traditionally held every year in Moscow on May 9.
© RIA Novosti . Kirill Braga / Go to the mediabankAfter the parade the celebrations moved to the Mamayev Kurgan memorial.
After the parade the celebrations moved to the Mamayev Kurgan memorial.
© RIA Novosti . Kirill Braga / Go to the mediabankThe memorial was constructed between 1959 and 1967, and is crowned by a huge allegorical statue of the Motherland on the top of the hill.
The memorial was constructed between 1959 and 1967, and is crowned by a huge allegorical statue of the Motherland on the top of the hill.
© RIA Novosti . Sergey Mamontov / Go to the mediabankSome 200 veterans of the famous battle attended the celebrations.
Some 200 veterans of the famous battle attended the celebrations.
© RIA Novosti . Sergey Mamontov / Go to the mediabankMore than 5,000 people attended the celebrations.
More than 5,000 people attended the celebrations.
© RIA Novosti . Kirill Braga / Go to the mediabankThe celebrations culminated in a spectacular fireworks display.
The celebrations culminated in a spectacular fireworks display.