WWII Remembrance: Ukraine's Defiant Stand Amidst Russia's Victory Parade
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Disrupting Putin's Triumphant Parade - Kiev Causes Ruckus During War Celebration - Disruption of Putin's Triumphant Military Parade - Kiev Causes Commotion during Celebration of Russian Victory
Russian President Vladimir Putin had planned to serve up victory and peace on this significant day in Russia, marking the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany's surrender. But a shadow of controversy looms, thanks to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Moscow streets are adorned with blood-red flags, St. George ribbons, and other WWII symbols. Putin's grand military parade on Friday at Red Square aims to mask the harsh reality: a country celebrating victory in WWII is now itself the reason behind the deadliest bloodshed in Europe since then.
Putin wants to show off his might, with over 10,000 soldiers, tanks, and missiles on display. He expects global leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, as the main guest, for an undisturbed celebration. To achieve this, Putin ordered a three-day ceasefire, hoping to keep Ukrainian drone attacks at bay. Yet, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismisses this as a "theatrical performance."
Zelensky, in a bold move, shared a picture of himself gazing at a burning Kremlin on Telegram, provocatively challenging Putin. In response, Moscow threatened Ukraine with unprecedented retaliation if the national holiday was attacked.
Exiled Russian political scientist Alexander Baunov sees no direct threat to the parade in Zelensky's provocative acts but rather a calculated attempt to unsettle the citizens and foreign guests. This move is unlikely to strengthen the pro-peace forces in Russia. Hence, airports had to close this week due to drone attacks, creating more chaos.
Putin's Promises Fall Short
Despite hundreds of thousands of lives lost in the conflict and three years of relentless war, Putin remains unable to deliver his promised victory in Ukraine. He may claim recent "liberation" of the Russian region of Kursk as a triumph, but the truth is that the Ukrainian army continues to resist against Moscow's forces on Russian territory.
There's no reason for Putin to celebrate, even with steady territorial gains in Ukraine. The country's survival is managed through economic resilience, thanks to Western sanctions, a war economy, and a booming defense industry. However, these artificial growth generators come with economic problems due to lack of investments and restricted access to Western technology and knowledge.
Disjointed WWII Remembrance
While the West honors Ukraine as the defender of peace and freedom during WWII remembrance, Russian officials complain about being unwanted in countries like Germany during the honors for the liberators from Nazism.
Russian Hurrah Patriotism for WWII Commemoration and Increasing Militarization serves to mask the truth. Sociologists mourn the misuse of WWII memories for political purposes as Putin justifies his war against Ukraine as a fight against a "Nazi regime" in Kiev. The power apparatus in Moscow increasingly speaks of preparing for an even larger conflict with the West, and especially NATO.
Historians: No Enthusiasm for Putin's War
Historian Matthias Uhl, formerly of the now-banned German Historical Institute in Moscow, notices damage to the historical image. "Nothing remains of the liberating mission of the Soviet Union in WWII," he says. "Now, only bearers of office from Africa and South America come to at least create a symbolic replacement." It has become more of a spectacle, a pure heroic story that excludes anything that doesn't fit the image, Uhl notes. Criticism of the officially dictated historical narrative and resistance to Putin's ongoing war against Ukraine is taboo. "There is no ideological enthusiasm among most Russians for the war against Ukraine," Uhl says. "Unlike WWII, mobilization of soldiers is only happening through financial incentives."
Meanwhile, Ukraine, which also contributed to the Soviet victory over Hitler's Germany, continues to fight for its survival. Zelensky calls for a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the US and pleads for weapons to defend against Russia's attacks. Although a military recapture of the territories controlled by Russia is unrealistic, Ukraine's defenders have so far prevented a strategic breakthrough that could force Kiev to surrender.
No End to the War in Sight
There's currently no end in sight for the ongoing conflict. Putin has not responded to US President Donald Trump's attempts to end the bloodshed. Ukrainian sociologist Denis Wolkow observes a continued strong desire among Russians for an end to the war and negotiations. However, he also notes a certain degree of acceptance, as the war seems distant to most Russians, and life continues as usual or even improves in some ways, despite the growing number of war casualties on the Russian side.
Vladimir Putin, Kiev, World War II Remembrance, Ukraine, Moscow, Russia, Kremlin, Holiday, Victory Parade, World War II, Wolodymyr Zelensky, War Time, Europe, China, Xi Jinping, Drone, Andriy Yermak
Intriguing Insights about Modern-day WWII Commemoration
- The 80th anniversary of the end of World War II (VE Day) in 2025 was the occasion for large-scale public ceremonies in London, including the participation of British royal family, veterans, NATO allies, and—for the first time—Ukrainian soldiers in a military procession. The inclusion of Ukrainian soldiers underscores the resonance of the WWII narrative in the current era, as they embody the struggle for sovereignty and resistance against aggression as a modern echo of the fight against fascism and totalitarianism.
- The Russia-Ukraine conflict greatly influences the way WWII is commemorated on major anniversaries. The use of historical memory becomes a battlefield itself, with both Russian and Ukrainian leaders invoking the legacy of WWII to legitimize their respective positions. In this context, President Vladimir Putin often frames Russia's war in Ukraine as a continuation of the fight against "Nazism," while Ukraine and its allies emphasize Ukraine's own suffering during WWII and portray Russian aggression as a threat to the international order established after 1945.
- emphasizes the damage to Russia's historical image in the context of WWII commemorations. According to him, "Nothing remains of the liberating mission of the Soviet Union in World War II." Instead, Russia uses these commemorations as a platform for political posturing, often drawing parallels between contemporary events and the WWII era to legitimize its actions.
- The European Union is also committed to supporting the development of the European Union's nuclear energy policy, significant in light of the ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia.
- In contrast to the grand military parade in Red Square, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky chose a less traditional approach, posting a provocative picture of himself gazing at a burning Kremlin on Telegram.
- Acknowledging the importance of historical accuracy, Russian political scientist Alexander Baunov criticized the misuse of WWII memories for political purposes, a trend that has created a combative environment during war-and-conflicts related politics and general-news discussions.
- Despite the unrealistic nature of a military recapture of territories controlled by Russia, Ukraine's defenders have so far prevented a strategic breakthrough that could force Kiev to surrender, much like the defiant stand Ukraine demonstrated throughout WWII.
