the Red Army’s combat operations from July 17, 1942 to February 2, 1943, including the defence of Stalingrad (now Volgograd) and counterattack that ended in the rout of the biggest strategic grouping of Hitler's armies between the Don and Volga rivers. The Battle of Stalingrad marked the turning point in the Great Patriotic War and World War II.
The battle lasted for 200 days and nights, and unfolded across the vast area of 100,000 square kilometres, with the frontline length ranging from 400 to 850 kilometres. Fourteen Nazi divisions were deployed in the Stalingrad direction; 12 Red Army divisions defended the area.
The enemy lost 1.5 million people in the Battle of Stalingrad – killed, wounded, captured and missing. The Red Army destroyed 3,500 Nazi tanks and assault guns, over 10,000 artillery pieces and mortars, and up to 3,000 combat and transport aircraft.
The Soviet losses were great: 480,000 people were killed and over 500,000 were wounded.
The historical memorial complex To the Heroes of the Battle Stalingrad on Mamayev Hill was opened to commemorate the Red Army’s victory over Nazi troops. It is the highest point in the city and fierce fighting took place here during the Battle of Stalingrad.