Missile Troops and Artillery Day is observed in the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus every November 19. This professional and memorial day commemorates the start of the successful counterattack Operation Uranus, conducted by the Red Army during the Battle of Stalingrad in 1942, which was pivotal in the outcome of the battle. The day was first established in 1944 by a decree from the Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union and was originally named Artillery Day, reflecting the significant role of artillery in the battle. In 1964, the observance adopted its current name. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, some newly independent states, such as Ukraine, altered the date or canceled the observance altogether. However, the Russian Federation and Belarus have maintained the original date to honor the contributions of missile troops and artillery.