Russia is gearing up for Victory Day, a commemoration of its triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II, which has become a cornerstone of President Vladimir Putin's lengthy tenure in power. This celebration, marking the defeat of Nazi forces by the Red Army, holds significant national importance and serves as a key element of Russia's identity.
Despite the dwindling number of veterans from the Great Patriotic War, the memory of the Soviet Union's staggering loss of approximately 27 million lives during the conflict remains deeply ingrained in the country's collective consciousness. The wartime sacrifices made in cities like Stalingrad, Kursk, and Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) continue to symbolize Russia's resilience in the face of adversity.
