Vladimir Putin officially ordered the renaming of Volgograd Airport to “Stalingrad,” thereby reaffirming his intentions to restore the historic and symbolic name of the city, which became known worldwide as one of the key centers of World War II
Within just a few hours after his visit to the city, the Russian president signed the relevant decree, fundamentally changing the perception of one of the important transportation hubs in the southern part of the country. This decision was the result of a request from the local authorities, which came from the governor of the Volgograd region, Andrei Bocharov, and was supported by veterans and participants of the battles who fought in the war against Ukraine. According to Bocharov, it was the public—an experienced, literal voice of those who endured the harshest years of the war—that insistently asked to restore the "old" name—"Stalingrad." The politically conscious media highlight that such a request resonated with Vladimir Putin: he stated that the words of these people are law for him and that he will do everything possible to listen to their voice. Following this announcement, the president immediately held a meeting in Volgograd to sign the decree officially changing the name of the local airport. According to sources, this document was signed on the eve of his departure from the city, convincingly confirming the importance and value of this political step for the Kremlin authorities. The official Minsk has so far neither denied nor confirmed additional details regarding the renaming procedure; however, it is quite evident that Moscow is preparing for a large-scale campaign to restore historical ideas linking modern Russian identity with the image of the renowned hero city. Simultaneously, in the context of historical declarations, "Current Time" recalls that just a few days ago, from May 8 to 10, the Pulkovo passenger airport in Saint Petersburg temporarily changed its name to "Leningrad." This is part of a broader trend that demonstrates the authorities’ desire to reinforce historically significant names tied to the Soviet era and the heroic past of the country. Regarding historical parallels, it should be remembered that this year Putin already visited Volgograd, during which, for example, traffic signs leading into the city were replaced from "Volgograd" to temporary "Stalingrad." This is part of systematic steps that demonstrate the authorities’ intention to emphasize their symbolic historical heritage and strengthen the city’s image as a symbol of the heroic struggle of the Soviet people during difficult times. Putin’s decision and his direct involvement in the renaming process undoubtedly appear as attempts to fix in the historical memory of Russians the image of a city that gained fame not only through military events but also through a symbolic connection to the struggle for the Soviet and Russian image. Considering the context of current internal and external political challenges, such a step is one element of the state’s strategic policy aimed at shaping a public ideological platform based on images of heroic past.