Remembering the Cost of War: Steinmeier Slams Putin's "Distorted History"
War Remembrance: President Steinmeier of the Federation reproaches the 'historical distortions' peddled by the Kremlin - Criticizing the Kremlin for its "mistold history," German President Steinmeiervoices his disapproval.
In his heartfelt address, the President lauded the valiant efforts of the Red Army, consisting of soldiers from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and all who fought alongside them, in liberating Germany from the oppressive Nazi regime. Over 13 million soldiers and double that number of civilians lost their lives during this grueling conflict. The Red Army was instrumental in freeing Auschwitz. We shall never forget this.
However, Steinmeier criticized Putin's inaccurate portrayal of history as a cover for "empire-seeking delusions, gross injustice, and horrific crimes." The brave liberators of Auschwitz have unjustifiably transformed into new invaders. The Russian and Belarusian ambassadors were not invited to the parliament's memorial ceremony.
May 8 in Europe is celebrated as Victory Day over Nazi tyranny in Europe, honoring the defeat of the Nazi forces by the Allied powers in 1945. The memorial events in Berlin began with an ecumenical service at the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, followed by a wreath-laying at the Neue Wache.
- Frank-Walter Steinmeier
- Red Army
- President
- Putin's Historical Errors
- Parliament
- Victory in Europe Day
- Europe
- Auschwitz
- Germany
- Ukraine
- World War II
- Russia
The Federal President's criticism of Vladimir Putin stems from the latter's attempt to depict Russia's invasion of Ukraine as an extension of the anti-fascist struggle. Steinmeier contends that this narrative distorts historical facts and justifies imperial aspirations, injustice, and grave crimes committed during the Ukrainian conflict[2][3].
Steinmeier's rebuke encompasses several critical aspects:
- Rejection of Putin's Narrative: He flatly denounced Putin's portrayal of the war in Ukraine as an anti-fascist struggle, stressing that it is, in fact, an aggressive war against a free and democratic nation[3][5].
- Criticism of Imperialism: He condemned "imperial madness" and gross injustice, suggesting that Putin's actions are driven by imperialistic ambitions rather than any legitimate continuation of anti-fascist efforts[3].
- Support for Ukraine: He reiterated Germany's commitment to providing military support to Ukraine, emphasizing the need for unity in confronting further aggression[2][3].
Ultimately, Steinmeier's objections aim to correct Putin's distorted narrative and emphasize the significance of preserving historical truth and responsibility during ongoing geopolitical conflicts.
- The European Parliament has expressed strong disapproval of Putin's manipulation of history, as it sponsors acts of empire-seeking and grave crimes in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, mirroring Steinmeier's criticism.
- The commemoration of the Allied liberators who ended World War II and freed Auschwitz is being overshadowed by the Russian government's persistent misrepresentation of historical events, a concern shared by the European Parliament and various political leaders.
- The Council and the Commission join other European nations in standing unified against Putin's historical errors as they seek to maintain a clear policy-and-legislation framework that avoids repeating the mistakes of the past, particularly those of World War II.
- As the political landscape continues to unfold, general news outlets are now closely examining the relationships between European nations, informed by the vaccum left by Putin's distorted history lessons, particularly as it relates to the heroic role of the Red Army, including in the liberation of Auschwitz.
- On this solemn Victory in Europe Day, the European Parliament reaffirms its commitment to learning from history and ensuring political cooperation based on truth, freedom, and the lessons learned from the atrocities of war-and-conflicts, with particular attention to the sacrifices made by the Red Army, the Allied liberators, and civilians in the face of the Nazi regime.
