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Putin set to visit Volgograd to mark 80th anniversary of Stalingrad victory — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov stressed that this is "a sacred date for the whole country," moreover for every citizen of Volgograd

MOSCOW, January 31. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay a visit to the Russian city of Volgograd on February 2 to mark the 80th anniversary of the Red Army’s victory in the Battle of Stalingrad, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday.

"There is a scheduled trip, which will be devoted to the 80th anniversary of the Red Army’s victory in the Battle of Stalingrad," Peskov told journalists adding that this trip is expected to be made on February 2.

Peskov stressed that this is "a sacred date for the whole country," moreover for every citizen of Volgograd.

"A host of memorial events had been scheduled," he continued. "There will definitely be a meeting [by Putin] with the people [of Volgograd]. There will probably be a meeting with the head [of the Volgograd Region] as well."

Volgograd, formerly known as Stalingrad, is a city of over one million residents that is situated along the Volga River. The city and the surrounding areas were the scene of one of the fiercest battles between Nazi and Soviet forces, and is considered to be the turning point in World War 2.