Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov weighed in on a proposal from Liberal Democratic Party leader Leonid Slutsky to grant the title of Hero City to Donetsk and Lugansk. He underscored a formal consideration process for such honors, noting that residents of Donetsk and Lugansk have demonstrated notable resilience over the past nine years. Peskov emphasized that a special military operation exists to ensure the safety of those communities, and he pointed out that while the courage of these cities deserves acknowledgment, the final decision should come after deliberations by the parliament and relevant authorities. This stance reflects the careful balance the government seeks between recognition and procedural debate, according to statements from the Kremlin press pool. [Source: Kremlin press service]
Earlier reporting indicated that Slutsky, through his Telegram channel, proposed restoring the Hero City title and extending it to Donetsk and Lugansk in recognition of the daily courage and perseverance shown by their inhabitants. The deputy noted that Donetsk and Lugansk face challenges to secure a peaceful life, preserve local culture, and protect the right to use their mother tongue, underscoring a broader conversation about collective memory and regional identity. The discussion aligns with ongoing debates about commemorative honors and their role in national history, as described by analysts following Slutsky’s remarks. [Source: LDPR communications]
Historically, the Hero City distinction was the highest honor awarded in the Soviet Union to cities whose residents displayed extraordinary heroism and steadfast resolve during the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945. The designation served to recognize collective sacrifice, endurance, and contribution to the war effort, and it has remained a symbol of local virtue and communal memory in postwar narratives. The current proposal connects the wartime legacy to contemporary events, inviting discussion about how past national narratives intersect with present-day experiences in Donetsk and Lugansk. Commentary from political observers highlights the enduring significance of such memorials and their potential to shape regional pride and international perception. [Source: historical records and contemporary analysis]