Russian communists want Stalingrad back
RTMAR 29
Russia: Communist Leader Calls for Putin to Restore Stalingrad Name
Above: Russian Communist Party Chairman Gennady Zyuganov gives a speech during a May Day rally hosted by the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF) in Moscow on May 1, 2025. Image copyright: Contributor/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Stalingrad represents a powerful symbol of Soviet resilience and heroism that should be restored, as that is the will of its residents. The name is inextricably linked with the Victory, not ideology, and streets and squares across Europe continue to honor Stalingrad.
Narrative B
When it comes to Stalingrad, a name change is more than mere bureaucracy. Volgograd's Soviet-era name evokes past glories and heroism but also the divisive legacy of Josef Stalin, not to mention the logistical and financial issues to rename a city. Renaming the airport was a good move, but there is no need to rename the city too.