MOSCOW, Feb. 3 -- Tens of thousands of people rallied across Russia Saturday to demonstrate national unity on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi forces in the Battle of Stalingrad.
The Battle of Stalingrad, which is the former name of Volgograd, was one of the longest battles during World War II (WWII), fought from August 1942 to February 1943. It radically changed the course of the war, heralding the victory over Nazi Germany in 1945.
More than 60,000 people joined a concert titled "Russia in My Heart" in central Moscow and similar rallies were held in other cities across the country to commemorate those who died in WWII.
In some regions, participants also expressed support for Russian athletes who will participate in the Winter Olympic Games in South Korea's PyeongChang from Feb. 9-25.
The athletes have to compete as neutrals as the International Olympic Committee has banned Russia from the 2018 Winter Olympics following an investigation into scandals about Russian athletes doping in the 2017 Winter Games.