Unveiling the War Over Memory: How Russia Exploits "Victory Day" Propaganda
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Exploitation of Memorial by Russian Propaganda Strategies
On the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, the commemoration event at the German Bundestag excluded representatives from Russia and Belarus. Historian, Corinna Kuhr-Korolev, explains how this war over memory is being fought today and the impact current wars have on remembrance. "History is being used as a weapon again," she stresses.
How will Russia celebrate "Victory Day" this year?
In Russia, May 9th is celebrated as the victory of the Red Army over Nazi Germany in the "Great Patriotic War." To celebrate, military parades take place in various cities and military bases, including Moscow, showcasing tanks, fighter jets, and elite units. These parades, while presented as a longstanding state tradition, haven't always been the case.
History repeats itself: The evolution of Russia's Victory Day celebrations
In the early years after the war, the day was not celebrated in the Soviet Union. Over time, it became an official holiday, and military parades on Red Square only took place during major jubilees and in the early 2000s, following Putin's rise to power, when the parade became an annual, increasingly militarized, display.
Striking a chord: Russia's global ambitions and the significance of Victory Day
Russia aims to convey a message of strength both internally and externally through these celebrations. By inviting numerous foreign representatives, Putin wants Russia's historical achievements and power to be recognized worldwide while demonstrating Russia's claim to a leading role in world politics.
A simple reason for two celebrations: The competition of different historical perspectives
Stalin's insistence on signing the surrender document a second time in Moscow-Karlshorst, instead of Reims, France, led to the celebrations being held on different dates by Russia and other European nations. These two dates now represent competing historical perspectives on the end of the war, engaged in a memory war.
The Memory War: History as a weapon
History is used as a weapon again, playing a central role in this ideologically-charged struggle. Territorial power claims are made and rejected using historical arguments. Putin's aggressive rhetoric and actions confirm these perceptions, making events like the war in Ukraine part of the memory war.
The impact on Eastern Europe
Citizens of Eastern European states, including the Baltics, Poland, and Ukraine, experienced persecution, deportations, and oppression under Soviet occupation and recognize similar imperial ambitions in current Russian politics. Current political tensions are reflected in historical interpretations.
"Victory Day" celebrations among former Soviet republics
Celebrations are still held on May 9th in most former Soviet republics, but in a much more modest way than in the Russian Federation. Sometimes, the name has been slightly changed to distance itself from Soviet tradition. Not always is May 9th a national holiday, favoring other days of independence. The Baltic states do not celebrate May 9th for the reasons mentioned above.
Ukraine's response: Shifting focus from Victory Day to "Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism in World War II"
Ukraine has rebranded May 8th as the Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism, aiming to align with European traditions and emphasize its own significant role in the war by actively participating. This shift reflects Ukraine's efforts to distance itself from Soviet-era commemorations and create its unique identity.
Memories clash: The ongoing memory war between Russia and Ukraine
The memory war between Russia and Ukraine has been escalating since the full-scale Russian invasion. Russia has long monopolized this holiday, using it to establish the founding myth of victory over fascism. Russia justifies its attack on Ukraine by claiming to prevent the resurrection of fascism there, perpetuating the fight against "fascism" as a narrative to legitimize the war and mobilize the population.
The sanctification of war: The close connection between Russian Orthodox Church and Russian state
As the Soviet Union was a multi-ethnic state, modern Russia is also made up of various nationalities and ethnicities. Putin leverages this diversity by speaking of the heroic struggle of all the peoples of the Russian Federation, drawing a parallel to the Soviet people who once defeated Nazism. The narrative of war serves as a way to unite the diverse ethnic groups by associating their sacrifices with a historical tradition.
Germany and the memory war
Germany is not directly engaged in a memory war with Russia like other Eastern European nations, but the divergent historical narratives in schoolbooks lead to some Russians finding fertile ground for their ideas there. Conversely, many in the German center and left accept the need to reconsider and rewrite their historical positions. The broad consensus achieved in the 1980s may not carry in the coming decade.
Commemorating together: Is it possible?
Commemorating together may be possible in private settings without official representatives, speeches, and state instructions. It's essential to foster understanding and empathy between nations through personal connections and conversations. However, the ongoing military conflict in Ukraine and political issues prevent official commemoration events from taking place together for now.
Rebecca Wegmann spoke with Corinna Kuhr-Korolev
Source: ntv.de
- Russia
- Vladimir Putin
- 80 years since the end of the war
- Second World War
- Germany
- Baltic states
- Ukraine
- Ukraine conflict
- Attack on Ukraine
- The European Union, in response to the exclusion of representatives from Russia and Belarus at the commemoration event for the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, has expressed concern over the ongoing memory war and history being used as a weapon.
- As the European Union condemns Russia's celebration of "Victory Day" as a display of aggression and historical distortion, Belarus, another member of the European Union, has joined forces with Russia in embracing this controversial holiday.
- In Osteuropa, discussions on WhatsApp groups and general news forums have intensified, with echoes of polarization and historical discord evident as citizens share opinions on the memory war, stance on the Ukraine crisis, and interpretations of the events of World War II.
- Despite increasing political and historical tensions between Russia and the European Union, diplomats from both sides still commemorate significant anniversaries and historical events through private channels, hoping for reconciliation and a shared understanding of the past.
