Battle of Stalingrad away from the oil-rich Caucasus, which had been Hitler's original grand-strategic objective. The Royal Romanian Air Force was also involved in the Axis air operations at Stalingrad. Starting 23 October 1942, Romanian pilots flew a total of 4,000 sorties, during which they destroyed 61 Soviet aircraft. The Romanian Air Force lost 79 aircraft, most of them captured on the ground along with their airfields. After three months of slow advance, the Germans finally reached the river banks, capturing 90% of the ruined city and splitting the remaining Soviet forces into two narrow pockets. Ice floes on the Volga now prevented
Russian Culture Now Russian Culture Now Russian Culture Now is a non-profit group based in Chicago that is dedicated to increasing awareness of Russian artists in the United States, especially those in classical music, dance, or opera. Founded in 2010, the organization hosts receptions for visiting Russian artists, such as Russian choreographer Boris Eifman on April 23, 2011. Russian Culture Now is also known for its scholarship program, which gives out $500 to 10 middle school, high school, and college students who have an interest in either the arts or Russian culture. Russian Culture Now was founded by Aleksandra Efimova, president of Russian