In Volgograd begins a poll on holding a referendum on renaming the city to Stalingrad

Photo: Maxim Dodonov © Red Spring Russia

In Volgograd, a ballot begins on whether to hold a referendum on renaming the city to Stalingrad. Alexander Strukov, co-chairman of the public council responsible for studying public opinion on returning the historic name to the city, told TASS that a decision would be made next week.

The Public Council on the question of changing the name of Volgograd was established in December 2022. Later it became known that in mid-March anonymous polls on the willingness of the population of the region to participate in the referendum would begin In the region. The authorities of the region urged the Public Council to approach the assessment of the opinion of the population with objectivity and without haste.

In late January, Russian President’s press secretary Dmitry Peskov denied reports that Volgograd had been renamed Stalingrad after Vladimir Putin’s trip to the city. According to the official representative of the Kremlin, the relevant issue was not discussed at that time.