The Mother Russia statue in Volgograd (Photo: chinhphu.vn)

Russians are celebrating the 70th anniversary of the victory in one of the crucial battles of the Second World War, the Battle of Stalingrad. Russia's southern military zone hosted a parade of 650 soldiers and modern weapons on Friday. On Friday night in Volgagrad (former Stalingrad), tourists were treated to a firework display and recreation of the fiercest days of the bloody battle. In Moscow on Friday, President Vladimir Putin received more than 300 former war veterans and heroes, who took part in the battle. Putin stressed that Russia will never cross off the glory of heroes joining the Battle of Stalingrad.