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.
Since assuming office in 1999, Putin has elevated May 9th to a prominent position on the political agenda, showcasing military prowess through grand displays. The annual parade features tanks, missiles, and fighter jets, with decorated veterans joining Putin in commemorating the occasion. Many participants don the black-and-orange St. George’s ribbon, a traditional symbol of Victory Day.
Putin often shares personal anecdotes about his family's wartime experiences, recounting his father's harrowing ordeal during the Nazi siege of Leningrad. The elder Putin's refusal to accept his wife's reported death due to starvation, despite the dire circumstances, underscores the resilience and tragedy faced by many families during the war.
Amidst efforts to preserve the Soviet legacy, Russia has enacted laws prohibiting the 'rehabilitation of Nazism' and challenging alternative narratives of World War II history. Putin's recent military intervention in Ukraine, justified by invoking World War II rhetoric, has sparked international condemnation and accusations of aggression.
Observers view Putin's emphasis on World War II as a strategic move to bolster Russia's standing and harken back to Soviet-era practices. By framing the conflict in Ukraine as a mission to 'denazify' the country, Putin seeks to align his actions with the USSR's historical role in defeating fascism.
As Russia continues to grapple with its past and present geopolitical challenges, the legacy of World War II remains a potent symbol of national pride and a lens through which Putin navigates his political agenda.
