Ukraine War Live Updates: Putin's Victory Narrative and Propaganda
European lawmakers greenlight plan to safeguard employees from radiation hazards through a new directive.
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Follow the latest developments as the Ukraine conflict unfolds. In this edition, we shed light on the Russia's tactics, including the historical parallels drawn to World War II and propaganda, as well as the trope of 'victory over fascism.'
Politics: Manipulation of History for Current Conflicts
During the new Chancellor Merz and US President Trump's conversation, political scientist Thomas Jaeger feels that there was little substance. In the meantime, an attempt to create a divide between China and Russia seems to have been unsuccessful [Base Article].
Times Past, Contacts Present: Putin and the Continuation of War
Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasizes that the entire Russian society, people, and country support the offensive in Ukraine, while claiming Russia is a barrier against Nazism. Meanwhile, he utilizes grand military parades and splendid commemorations of World War II to justify his rule and Russia's claim to great power status [Base Article].
A Ceasefire in Saporischschja - the Unilateral Fiction of an Armistice
Russia attacked eight settlements in the Saporischschja region, reportedly killing a 63-year-old woman in a drone attack. Despite Putin's declaration of a three-day truce for World War II celebrations, Kiev criticizes the temporary peace as a theatrical performance, calling for an extension up to 30 days [Base Article].
A Grand Display of Power: Red Square Military Parade
A military parade, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII, has kicked off in Moscow, with thousands of troops and military equipment on display. In attendance is Chinese President Xi Jinping, with many guests from Asia and Africa. Western representatives, except Slovakia's Robert Fico and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, are absent. As expected, Putin proceeds to justify the war in Ukraine in his speech [Base Article].
Ghost Fleet Sanctions by the UK
The UK targets up to 100 oil tankers, part of the 'ghost fleet,' with sanctions, as these ships are suspected of transporting over $24 billion worth of cargo since the previous year, most likely causing damage to critical infrastructure [Base Article].
Ukraine-US Reconstruction Fund Approved
The Ukrainian parliament ratifies an agreement allowing for the creation of a joint reconstruction fund with the US. Simultaneously, access to Ukrainian mineral resources is opened up. President Selenskyj describes it as "a truly historic document that opens up many opportunities for cooperation" [Base Article].
Foreign minister Wadephul's First Visit to Ukraine and Merz's Phone Conversation with Zelensky
After a brief meeting of EU foreign ministers in Warsaw, new German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul visits Ukraine for the first time on the following day. The Ukrainian Parliament also authorizes a 30-day unconditional ceasefire at Trump's request [Base Article].
Enrichment Insights:
As Russia continues its war in Ukraine, the Kremlin attempts to draw parallels between the ongoing conflict and the struggles of World War II. By framing the Ukrainian government as "Nazi" or "fascist" elements and claiming victory over fascism, Russia aims to legitimize the invasion as a defensive war. This false comparison undermines Ukraine's sovereignty, prepares the ideological ground for future aggression against NATO, and serves to justify the immense human cost of the war [2][3][5]. Russia also employs selective reinterpretations of history and historical revisionism to suit its current political agenda [1][2].
- The discussion between Chancellor Merz and US President Trump lacked depth, with political scientist Thomas Jaeger observing a potential attempt to create a division between China and Russia [Base Article].
- Russian President Vladimir Putin utilizes grand military parades and World War II commemorations to present Russia as a barrier against Nazism and cement his rule, employing a 'victory over fascism' narrative [Base Article].
- Despite Putin's declaration of a three-day truce for World War II celebrations, Kiev criticizes the temporary peace as a theatrical performance and calls for an extension up to 30 days [Base Article].
- In a move aimed at sanctioning Russia, the UK has targeted up to 100 oil tankers, suspected of transporting over $24 billion worth of cargo, as part of a 'ghost fleet' [Base Article].
