The 50-ton monument Putin erected to legendary Russian prince Alexander Nevsky

Soviet and Russian authorities have praised this 13th-century prince for decades for slowing the eastward expansion of Swedes and Germans, and his image has often been used for propaganda purposes.

Accompanied by Patriarch Cyril, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church and senior officials, the Russian leader unveiled a monument to 50 tons in honor of the prince and his warriors on the shores of Lake Peipus, on the northwestern border with Estonia, a member country of the European Union.

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Putin congratulated the prince on his victory over the Teutonic Knights on the frozen lake in 1242, saying it was a symbol of patriotism and devotion to the homeland.

“This victory was decisive, stopped the advance of the enemies and demonstrated to the whole world in the west and the east that the strength of Russia has not been broken and that the Russian land has people ready. to fight for it. “Putin said.

Russia will hold parliamentary elections September 17-19, in which virtually no opponents of the Kremlin can run, as the ruling United Russia party falters in the polls.