The southern Russian city of Volgograd has announced it will revert to its previous name, Stalingrad, for commemorative events six days a year, to honor its hard-worn victory over German troops during World War II.
The Volgograd city council passed a measure Thursday to use the old name in official documents on Saturday, when the city celebrates the 70th anniversary of the battle's end, and annually on that and five other days of celebration including May 9, when Russia celebrates Victory Day nationwide.
The city, named for Soviet leader Joseph Stalin, was re-named Volgograd in 1961 after his cult of personality fell from favor. Despite negative associations with Stalin, the name "Stalingrad" still conjures pride in Russians, as it represents a turning point in the war that ultimately saw Germany defeated.
The Volgograd city council passed a measure Thursday to use the old name in official documents on Saturday, when the city celebrates the 70th anniversary of the battle's end, and annually on that and five other days of celebration including May 9, when Russia celebrates Victory Day nationwide.
The city, named for Soviet leader Joseph Stalin, was re-named Volgograd in 1961 after his cult of personality fell from favor. Despite negative associations with Stalin, the name "Stalingrad" still conjures pride in Russians, as it represents a turning point in the war that ultimately saw Germany defeated.