Vladimir Putin and Valentina Matvienko laid wreaths to the memorial monument the Mourning Nation

The crispy ten degrees below zero did not discourage the residents of SPB from rallying in the streets to witness the military parade staged as part of commemorative events. The events were attended by President Putin and Valentina Matvienko, Speaker of the Federation Council. Today, the President laid wreaths to the memorial monument the Mourning Nation at the Piskarevskoye Memorial Cemetery and the Last Stand memorial at the Nevskiy Bridgehead national military historical site. He also paid respect to the memory of his senior brother who died during the Blockade.