Putin renames Volgograd airport to Stalingrad in WWII commemoration

In early 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin officially renamed Volgograd International Airport to Stalingrad International as a tribute to the Soviet victory against Nazi Germany during World War II. This decision was made following a request from veterans of the Second World War and the Ukraine conflict, as well as local officials. The announcement coincided with the approach of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory at the Battle of Stalingrad, a pivotal event in the war that shifted the conflict's momentum in favor of the Soviet Union and ultimately contributed to the defeat of the Nazis. The city of Volgograd, which had been known as Stalingrad from 1925 until its renaming in 1961 due to de-Stalinization efforts, has often revisited discussions of changing its name back. Reports suggest that public support for such changes remains mixed, with a survey indicating that about 67% of Volgograd residents prefer maintaining the current name. The renaming of the airport is seen by some analysts as part of a broader trend towards rekindling Soviet nostalgia and reinforcing authoritarian elements within Russian society under Putin's leadership, especially in connection with contemporary conflicts like the war in Ukraine. Putin's decree aligns with ongoing commemorative events focused on the significance of the Battle of Stalingrad, where the encirclement and defeat of the German 6th Army in early 1943 marked a turning point in World War II. Laying a wreath at the eternal flame memorial in Stalingrad, Putin reiterated the importance of remembering the sacrifices made during that historic conflict. This renaming reflects a desire to solidify a national narrative that interlinks current geopolitical issues with past victories, framing Putin's government as a defender of Russian resilience against historical adversaries. Support for restoring both the city's and the airport's former names can be largely associated with members of the modern Russian Communist Party, who have actively advocated for such changes. Critics have warned that this nostalgia could bolster support for Stalinist ideologies, as Stalin himself remains a controversial figure in Russian history, often viewed through the lens of both his repressive actions and his contributions to the Soviet victory in World War II. Amidst mixed perceptions and debates, the renaming could also be interpreted as an attempt by the government to reinforce a nationalistic agenda that seeks to unify the populace under a shared historical narrative.