Mamayev Hill -- Why?

At the time it was built, Mamayev Hill was the tallest monumental structure Russia had ever seen. It was built after a time of seemingly endless economical and political turmoil, but still stands tall today, marking the struggles, and the victories of Russia's past. Yet there is ambiguity surrounding this monument that I plan to attack.

1) How was Russia able to invest in the massive monument, and was the population pleased with the investment?

2) How is the monument perceived today among Russians?

3) Are there other monuments of Russia that compare to it's (Mamayev Hill's) stature? If so, are they similar to the Hill in the sense that they celebrate a military victory of Russia?

4) The statue itself does not look or seem to have any connection to the battle of Stalingrad. Why is Mamayev Hill structured the way it is?

Questions 1 and 2 are challenges, for they include takes on public opinion, something that requires investigation through speaking to the population or looking through interviews. These type of questions; however, are the most rich with information, and I feel public opinion is especially important with a project that has to do with introducing a memorial to a large scale population.