Meeting the 9th: How Russia Perpetuates Propaganda on "Victory Day"
Manipulation of Memorial by Russian Propaganda Strategies
In a fascinating interview with ntv.de, historian Corinna Kuhr-Korolev discusses the current battle over memory, the impact of modern conflicts on commemoration, and the exploitation of "Victory Day" by Russia's propaganda machine. "History serves as a weapon once more," she warns, underscoring the necessity of the separatist celebrations.
How does Russia mark "Victory Day" this year?
Kuhr-Korolev reveals that Russia commemorates May 9th, known as "Victory Day" in the "Great Patriotic War," a term reserved for World War II in Russia. With great fanfare across the country, the importance of this holiday cannot be overstated. For months, meticulous planning has been underway, resulting in a united logo and design guidelines approved by Moscow to be implemented across all Russian regions. Various military parades will take place in cities such as St. Petersburg, Smolensk, and Volgograd, as well as military bases, with Moscow hosting the largest parade featuring tanks rolling over Red Square, fighter jets soaring overhead, and elite units marching past the reviewing stand – a spectacle that has gained impressive momentum since Putin's rise to power.
Red Square's Militarized History
Early post-war years saw no commemoration of "Victory Day" in the Soviet Union. Over time, it became an official holiday, and militarized parades on Red Square did not occur until significant anniversary celebrations in 1965, 1975, 1985, and 1990. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, no parades were held in Russia until 1995. By the late 1990s, Red Square celebrations displayed no military equipment, transforming into a more patriotic display. Today, however, following Putin's ascension to power, the parades have been held annually and increasingly serve as a military demonstration.
The Internal and External Impact
Russia intends to showcase strength both internally and externally through these celebrations. A decade ago, Kuhr-Korolev expressed concerns about these displays, fearing their overt militarization would ultimately prepare the population for armed conflict – a prophecy proven accurate by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Internationally, Putin seeks to garner recognition of Russia's historical achievements and assert a leading role on the global stage.
The history of the signing of the unconditional surrender differs between two locations on two separate dates: May 7th in Reims, signifying the end of fighting in Europe, and May 8th to 9th in front of the Russian army in Berlin-Karlshorst, where both the Western Allies and Soviet leaders emphasized the continued oppression of Eastern European states by the Soviet Union following liberation.
The Memory War
Kuhr-Korolev notes that the interpretation of "Victory Day" has become increasingly polarized, with two distinct perspectives emerging: one which emphasizes the Red Army as the decisive force in vanquishing fascism, forming the basis for modern Russian self-perception, and another which acknowledges Soviet achievements but underscores that many Eastern European states did not genuinely gain self-determination after liberation. Moreover, these conflicting historical interpretations reflect the escalating political tensions between Russia and several Eastern European nations, including Ukraine, which have vehemently rejected the Russian narrative on "Victory Day."
To better understand the implications of Russia's "Victory Day" propaganda, it is essential to comprehend the fundamental role that this holiday plays in bolstering the Russian state's historical myths, justifying their current political actions, and mobilizing public support for these questionable pursuits.
- Historian Corinna Kuhr-Korolev warns that history is once again becoming a weapon in the ongoing battle over memory, particularly concerning Russia's commemoration of "Victory Day."
- Kuhr-Korolev explains that Russia, through its propaganda machine, is exploiting the significance of "Victory Day" in the Great Patriotic War, which they commemorate on May 9th.
- The European Parliament, in light of this exploitation, should take a noteworthy interest in the General-News aspect of Russian politics, as it divides public opinion and fuels tensions with Eastern European nations, including Ukraine.
- The Russian government's commemoration of "Victory Day" serves dual purposes, with the military parades on Red Square intended to demonstrate strength domestically and internationally, and the propagandized narrative seeking recognition of Russia's historical achievements and a dominant role on the global stage.
