Putin compared the Siege of Leningrad to the Holocaust. Putin called the Siege of Leningrad a Nazi crime against humanity.

MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin declared the Siege of Leningrad a crime against humanity. The president made this statement during a meeting with leaders of the Russian Jewish community, timed to coincide with International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

"It is no coincidence that Holocaust Remembrance Day coincided with the day of the complete liberation of Leningrad from the Siege. Because this, too, was a crime, involving the destruction of an entire, enormous population center," the head of state said.

Vladimir Putin also emphasized that Russia attaches special significance to this commemorative date. He called for the memory of the heroism and example of spiritual strength of the residents of the besieged city to be preserved forever.