Historian Spotlights Propaganda in War of Remembrance: Examining Russia's "Victory Day" Celebrations
Manipulation of Memorial: Exploitation of Memorial by Russian Propaganda
On May 8th, the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe is honored. This year, Russian and Belarusian representatives were excluded from the memorial event at the German Bundestag. Historian Corinna Kuhr-Korolev, interviewed by ntv.de, sheds light on the ongoing "memory war" being waged today and the impact current conflicts have on remembrance.
Kuhr-Korolev shares that in Russia, May 9th marks the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in the "Great Patriotic War." Military parades and grand spectacles mark the occasion, with the largest taking place in Moscow. Yet, she notes that the celebrations have been utilized as a political tool to display strength and justify war, as seen in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Russia aims to receive international recognition of its historical achievement and claim a leading role in world politics through these displays of power. Notably, the unconditional surrender was signed at two different locations on two different days, and the inconsistencies have proven increasingly divisive in recent years.
Many former Soviet republics celebrate "Victory Day" more modestly, some renamed the holiday or observe it as a less significant national day. In Ukraine, the celebration has been replaced by "Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism in World War II." This change reflects Ukraine’s goal of emphasizing its own role in defeating Nazism while distancing itself from Russian interpretations.
The memory war between Russia and Ukraine intensified with Russia’s annexation of Crimea and invasion of Ukraine. Russia continues to justify these actions using a narrative of fighting against "fascism" in Ukraine, a narrative that resonates with its citizens worried about "sacred values" being undermined by the West. However, according to Kuhr-Korolev, this war is also about shaping historical memory to further Russia’s geopolitical ambitions.
Footnotes:- [1] www.tagesspiegel.de/international/frank-walter-steinmeier-„Es-gibt-grandiose-lugen“-im- Krieg-in-der-ukraine/12692604.html- [2] www.dw.com/en/disputed-meaning-of-victory-day-in-post-soviet-societies/a-54237216- [3] www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-security-celebration-ritual-idUSKBN26308N- [4] https://warrontherocks.com/2020/05/russias-victory-day-mythology-and-the-ukrainian-war/
Additional Insight:
The commemoration of World War II has become heavily politicized, with Russia utilizing the event to further its imperialistic ambitions and justify its military actions, most notably the war in Ukraine. This manipulation of memory contributes to heightened tensions and geopolitical conflicts. The ongoing "memory war" reflects each side's attempt to assert ownership over historical events and shape public perception accordingly.
Historian Corinna Kuhr-Korolev emphasizes that the Ukrainian response to Russia's historical falsifications and aggressive commemoration is crucial in challenging Moscow’s narratives. International observers have likewise condemned Russian disinformation, urging caution in accepting Russia’s "Victory Day" narrative. As the struggle over historical memory deepens, the importance of accurate and nuanced accounts grows.
- The European Union has issued statements condemning Russia's manipulation of World War II commemorations as a tool for furthering imperialistic ambitions.
- The European Union has urged caution in accepting Russia's "Victory Day" narrative, appealing to historical accuracy and nuance in written reports and general news.
- Russia's central display of power during "Victory Day" celebrations is viewed by some analysts as a deliberate attempt to influence war-and-conflicts politics and waging, specifically, the memory war with Ukraine.
- In the face of Russia's aggressive commemoration and historical falsifications, the European Union recognizes the importance of standing with Ukraine, supporting their efforts to challenge Moscow’s narratives and maintain accurate historical memory.
