Putin tries to inspire Russia with the legend of Stalingrad
Ahead of an anticipated Russian offensive in Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin is attempting to galvanize society by invoking the sacred legacy of World War II — or, as it is known in Russia, the Great Patriotic War. Last week, Putin went to Volgograd, which briefly re-adopted its historical name of Stalingrad. In the wake of Germany’s decision to send tanks to Ukraine, Putin is trying to present his war as a continuation of the struggle against Nazism.