Red Square Revamped: A Historical Perspective and Contemporary Significance of Russia's Victory Day
Manipulation of Memorial: Exploitation of Memorial by Russian Propaganda
The annual commemoration of "Victory Day" in Russia reflects a fascinating evolution of national identity and political ideology.
Origin Roots and Soviet Era
- Initially, Victory Day was not celebrated in the Soviet Union following World War II. However, it gradually transformed into an official holiday, featuring military parades reminiscent of Red Square only during significant jubilees like those in 1965, 1975, 1985, and 1990.
- During the Brezhnev period, massive memorials, such as the Volgograd and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, emerged as emblems of Soviet war achievements [1][2].
Post-Soviet Era: Vibrant Evolution
- Following the breakup of the Soviet Union, the holiday gradually lost prominence until it was revitalized under President Boris Yeltsin in 1995. Yeltsin used it as a means to tap into Soviet nostalgia to counter his communist adversaries [2].
- In the current political climate under Vladimir Putin, Victory Day has regained prominence, serving as a cornerstone of national pride, used to bolster Russia's military prestige, and normalized by a grand military parade beginning in 2008 [1][5].
- Today, Victory Day is a strategic asset employed by Putin to legitimize military actions, like the invasion of Ukraine, by drawing similarities between current struggles and the Great Patriotic War [2][3].
The Modern-Day Impact of Victory Day on Foreign Relations
- The commemoration reinforces Russian nationalism, significantly contributing to Putin's domestic and international objectives at present.
- The event is also used to justify military actions and boost Russia's geopolitical standing through means of propaganda [2][3].
- International participation in the celebration serves to challenge Western diplomatic initiatives to isolate Russia [5].
Eastern European and Ukrainian Implications
- Leveraging historical parallels to justify military actions deepens friction with Eastern European states, especially Ukraine, by reviving past conflicts and framing the ongoing conflict according to historical narratives [2][3].
- The celebration fuels geopolitical tensions by asserting Russia's obstinate stance against NATO and EU expansion in Eastern Europe [2][3].
- The European Union, in response to the modern-day impact of Victory Day on foreign relations, has frequently expressed concern about the deepening friction between Russia and Eastern European states, particularly Belarus and Ukraine.
- political analysts in Osteuropa (central and eastern Europe) closely observe the use of commemorations like Victory Day as a strategy in Russian politics, questioning whether jets display during such events serve as mere displays of military might or as catalysts for future military actions.
- As the European Union considers its stance on Russia, it is necessary to address the role of the European Union in these commemorations, as it may impact general-news narratives and further fuel political and geopolitical tensions across the continent.
- The European Union faces a delicate balance in its approach towards the commemoration of Victory Day, recognizing the significance of the holiday in Russian history while also signaling support for Eastern European and Ukrainian sovereignty and democracy.
