Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a speech to commemorate the anniversary.

VLADIMIR PUTIN RUSSIAN PRESIDENT "Friends, guardians of Stalingrad, they not only won honor in war, but also left a precious legacy. They were willing to stand up to any test, as well as work for the country. We should look up to our parents' generation, drive ourselves towards our goals and strive for greater achievements. We will continue to persist. We will be strong and lead the new generation with honesty to work for our great people. We will live up to the standards set by the soldiers of the Battle of Stalingrad and be loyal to Russia."