Putin to give reception on anniversary of Battle of Stalingrad victory
MOSCOW. Feb 1 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet with World War II veterans at a reception he will give on Friday to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Soviet victory in the Battle of Stalingrad, the presidential press service said.
"A reception will be given on behalf of Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 1 to mark the 70th anniversary of the Red Army's victory over Nazi Germany troops in the Battle of Stalingrad. The reception will take place at the St. George Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace," the press service said.
More than 300 people have been invited to the reception, including WWII veterans who fought in the Battle of Stalingrad, representatives of military-patriotic organizations, holders of the Hero of the Soviet Union title, the heads of veteran associations, representatives of the legislative and executive branches of power, and artists, it said.
Anniversary celebrations will be held in the city of Volgograd, formerly known as Stalingrad, on February 2.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, who chairs the festivities organizing committee, said earlier that celebrations in Volgograd would include a military parade and an artillery volleys salute.
