There’s something powerful about names—especially when they carry the weight of history.

In Russia, that debate is once again stirring as President Vladimir Putin has expressed openness to the idea of renaming Volgograd back to Stalingrad.

But despite the nostalgia and symbolism for some, the people who actually live there seem to feel quite differently.

Let’s dive into what’s unfolding.

Putin Says the People Will Decide on the Name Change

While attending a youth event called “Knowledge.

The First”, President Putin responded to a question about bringing back the name Stalingrad, which the city carried for decades during and after the Second World War. His response?

“It’s up to the residents to decide. We’ll think about it.

We need to ask the residents,” he said.

This wasn’t a firm commitment—but it was enough to spark a national conversation.

And it’s not the first time this issue has come up.

Most Volgograd Locals Say: Leave It As Is

In fact, a 2023 poll conducted by the VTsIOM research center revealed that 67% of Volgograd residents are against the idea of changing the city’s name. Only 26% were in favor.

Why the hesitation? Here’s what residents pointed to:

The high financial cost of such a change
The lack of modern relevance
A desire to move forward, not backward
And a general discomfort with Stalin’s legacy as a historical figure

Even with Stalingrad’s military and symbolic weight in history, many residents simply don’t want to reopen a chapter they consider closed.

Meanwhile, the Airport Has Already Taken the Name

Although the city itself hasn’t changed names, its airport now carries the historic title.

In a recent presidential decree, Putin officially renamed Volgograd (Gumrak) International Airport to Stalingrad Airport.

However, the document made one thing clear: this is a symbolic name only.

It won’t affect maps, signage, or the official geographic classification.

Still, the decision carries emotional weight, especially for veterans and those connected to World War II.

The push to rename the airport came from war veterans and participants in Russia’s current military operations.

Regional Governor Andrey Bocharov passed on their request, and Putin quickly agreed to sign the decree once back in Moscow.

A Historic Airfield With Deep Wartime Roots

The Volgograd Airport has a story of its own. Originally established as a military airfield in the 1920s, it was once home to the Stalingrad Military Aviation School before being moved during WWII.

During the Battle of Stalingrad, it was even occupied by German forces.

After the war, the site evolved into a civil airport.

Ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, it underwent major upgrades, including a brand-new terminal and modern runway.

A City of Many Names and Many Eras

Volgograd hasn’t always had the same name. It started out as Tsaritsyn back in 1589—a fortress along the Volga River.

In 1925, it was renamed Stalingrad in honor of Joseph Stalin’s role in defending the city during Russia’s Civil War.

Then came World War II, and with it, the Battle of Stalingrad—a brutal and decisive clash that turned the tide against Nazi Germany.

Millions died, but the Soviet victory here is seen as one of the defining moments of the war.

Later, in 1961, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev changed the city’s name to Volgograd as part of a sweeping move to distance the country from Stalin’s authoritarian legacy.

Today’s Volgograd: A City Looking Ahead

Modern-day Volgograd is a sprawling urban center with over one million residents, nestled along the western bank of the Volga.

It’s the 16th-largest city in Russia and continues to serve as a major transport and cultural hub.

Tourists come to see sites like:

The Motherland Calls, an 85-meter-tall statue commemorating the WWII battle
War memorials and museums
Beautiful Volga river beaches
Even a unique floating church

The city hosted matches during the 2018 World Cup, showcasing its growth and modernization.

The Debate Continues: Memory vs. Modern Identity

So, will Volgograd officially become Stalingrad again? For now, it seems unlikely.

While the historical weight is undeniable, the majority of residents appear ready to move forward, not back.

Putin may have left the door open, but unless public sentiment changes dramatically, Volgograd will likely remain as it is—a city that honors its past without needing to rename itself after it.