Russian head of state Vladimir Putin took part in commemorative events timed to coincide with the seventieth anniversary of the day a major tank battle took place near Prokhorovka. In fact, it was this battle, dated July 12, 1943, that became the turning point of the entire war. Together with the veterans, the President laid a bouquet of roses at the monument located on the territory of the military-historical museum-reserve. It is here that the Belfry is located — the Victory Monument. Eighteen years ago, the famous sculptor Vyacheslav Klykov, together with a number of co-authors, erected a monument on this territory, the height of which was fifty-nine meters. The belfry includes white stone pylons that represent the four years of the war. Above the pylons there is a beautiful golden sphere that symbolizes the sun and is a historical symbol of the Russian state. Above the sphere itself, you can see a seven-meter sculpture of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos, serving as the patron of the entire Russian state. Inside, under the very dome, there is a bell weighing three and a half tons. This bell rings three times. The first blow is dedicated to all the heroes who fell on the Kulikovo field and rid Russia of the Tatar-Mongol invasion, the second blow reminds of the soldiers of Borodino, but the third blow is dedicated to this particular Prokhorov battle and to all the people who fell at the hands of the enemy during the war. After the flowers were laid, the President went on a visit to the Church of the Holy Apostles.
