Volgograd

Volgograd is a city in southwestern Russia, the administrative center of Volgograd Oblast. It is located on the western bank of the Volga River, and was formerly known as Stalingrad (from 1925 to 1961) and Tsaritsyn (from 1589 to 1925).

Volgograd is a major industrial city, with significant industries including shipbuilding, oil refining, steel and aluminum production, and the manufacture of machinery. It is also an important transportation hub, with a large river port, railway station, and international airport.

The city is historically significant, most notably as the site of the Battle of Stalingrad (1942-1943) during World War II, a pivotal and exceptionally bloody battle that marked a major turning point on the Eastern Front. The battle resulted in the near total destruction of the city and immense casualties on both sides.

Today, Volgograd is a major cultural and educational center. It is home to several universities, museums, theaters, and monuments, including the Mamayev Kurgan memorial complex, which commemorates the Battle of Stalingrad.