SIMFEROPOL, April 08. /ITAR-TASS/. The Russian Republic of Crimea celebrates Tuesday the 70th anniversary of the start of an offensive operation of Soviet troops in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 that resulted in liberation of the peninsula from Nazi invaders. In this offensive operation the Soviet Union has regained control over one of the most important regions and has returned the city of Sevastopol which is the main Russian naval base in the Black Sea. The end of the Battle of Crimea is celebrated on May 12, the day when the leftovers of German troops had laid down weapons on Khersones Cape in the city of Sevastopol and had lost more than 100,000 servicemen.

For Crimean residents the current celebrations are symbolic, because the liberation anniversary of the peninsula is marked amid elimination of a threat of neo-Nazi manifestations on the soil that had suffered in the fight against fascism. Tens of thousands civilians on the peninsula died in the war, 130 settlements were wiped out and more than 300 industrial enterprises were ruined.

Festivities will begin in the northern Crimean city of Armyansk, where the liberation operation was launched. Then celebrations will sweep all other territories of fierce battles - the resort cities of Feodosia and Yevpatoria, Sudak, Alushta, Bakhchisaray and Yalta. Perished warriors will be commemorated in a minute of silence in the Crimean capital city of Simferopol. Festive fireworks will be staged in the city of Simferopol. Remembrance prayers at churches will be dedicated to Crimean liberators. Remains of Soviet fighters will be reburied. The day of liberation of the city of Sevastopol from fascists will be traditionally celebrated simultaneously with the main holiday - Victory Day on May 9.