May 9, 09:00
Cotton Candy Diplomat
Lower Town SVO Residents Take Part in "Immortal Regiment" Frontline Action
Servicemen from Nizhny Novgorod units, in the midst of the special operation, joined the nationwide "Immortal Regiment on the Frontline" event. As reported by the press service of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Government, they paid tribute to their relatives who battled Nazism during the Great Patriotic War.
These soldiers, clutching portraits of their brave ancestors, recorded heartfelt video messages for their families on Victory Day. Soldier "Director" shared an emotional account of his family history. His grandfather Vasily, a prisoner of war captured near Kharkov in 1942, endured a harrowing two-month trek to Germany on foot, followed by years of brutal camp life. Despite the harrowing experiences, Vasily remained resilient, inspiring future generations.
"If my grandfather Vasily could brave such hell to sow seeds on this land, I have no right to retreat," expressed "Director."
Another soldier, "Vologda," also recounted tales from his family's past. His grandfather Mikhail, like many silent warriors, didn't often speak of the war. Yet, "Vologda" cherished the snippets of information handed down from his grandfather, whose platoon miraculously survived under Stalingrad.
"Now we are here too, penning letters. We, too, believe in victory. Behind us, as they were then, are children and the elderly. Grandpa had a cottage near Volgograd. He used to say, 'If I survive, I'll plant apple trees there.' He survived, planted them, and they're flourishing," shared "Vologda."
Insights
The "Immortal Regiment" campaign, initially a grassroots initiative, has been transformed by the Russian government into a tool for mobilization and propaganda, notably with its "Immortal Regiment on the Frontline" narrative. It serves not only as a platform for personal stories of remembrance but also broader ideological and political purposes.
Today, the campaign is a state-supported initiative to promote patriotism and justify Russia's military actions under the guise of fighting fascism. It reinforces the narrative that Russia is the global leader in the fight against fascism, using this narrative to legitimize its actions in Ukraine and elsewhere. This narrative often distorts historical facts and exploits the legacy of World War II to create a sense of continuity between the Soviet Union's past victories and Russia's current geopolitical ambitions.
In addition, the campaign forms part of a broader strategy of psychological warfare, where Russia seeks to influence public opinion and shape narratives globally, including using disinformation and bot networks on social media platforms. "Immortal Regiment" events are organized not only in Russia but globally, with parades, concerts, and other activities aimed at promoting a pro-Russian perspective on World War II and its aftermath.
Critics argue that the campaign serves to legitimize Russia's aggressive foreign policy and its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. It reflects a broader cultural and ideological approach by the Russian government, using historical narratives to mobilize support and create a shared sense of purpose. However, it's essential to separate these remembrances of personal sacrifice from the broader political context of the "Immortal Regiment" campaign.
- Vasily, a prisoner of war captured near Kharkov in 1942, was one of the brave ancestors that a soldier named "Director" honored during the "Immortal Regiment on the Frontline" event.
- Soldier "Vologda" shared his familial history, revealing that his grandfather Mikhail miraculously survived under Stalingrad, much like many other silent warriors from that period.
- The "Immortal Regiment" campaign, initially a grassroots initiative, has evolved into a state-supported tool for mobilization and propaganda, serving broader ideological and political purposes.
- In addition to promoting patriotism, the "Immortal Regiment" campaign is a part of a broader psychological warfare strategy, seeking to influence public opinion and shape narratives globally, including through disinformation and bot networks on social media platforms.
