Victory Day Kerfuffle: How Russia's Propaganda Twists WWII Remembrance
Manipulation of Memorial Through Russian Propaganda
Historian Corinna Kuhr-Korolev breaks down the current wars being waged over the memory of World War II, specifically focusing on Victory Day celebrations in Russia and its impact on foreign relations.
ntv.de: How is Russia celebrating Victory Day this year?
In Russi, May 9 marks the victory of the Red Army over Nazi Germany in the "Great Patriotic War," as World War II is known in Russia. It has become the most important national holiday, celebrated with grandeur across the country. The festivities feature military parades, tanks, and fighter jets in several cities like St. Petersburg, Smolensk, and Volgograd, plus military bases. The grandest event takes place in Moscow, with tanks crossing Red Square and elite units marching past the reviewing stand, including those involved in Russia's war against Ukraine.
What do you expect this year?
Putin wants to send a message of power through these celebrations, both domestically and internationally. Tanks rolling over Red Square during the parade may seem like a display of strength, but history has shown this to be a preparation for war, as the attack on Ukraine demonstrates.
Why does Russia celebrate Victory Day with military parades?
Initially, Victory Day was not celebrated in the early Soviet years after the war. Over time, it evolved into an official holiday with military parades only appearing on major anniversaries. Having gone undone after the collapse of the Soviet Union, large-scale events on Red Square were scarce until Putin took power in the 2000s, where the parades began to be held annually and grew increasingly militarized.
Are other former Soviet republics celebrating Victory Day?
"Victory Day" is still celebrated in most independent former Soviet republics but in a more subdued manner than in Russia. Some have even slightly changed the name to distance themselves from the Soviet tradition. The Baltic states do not celebrate the day due to the Soviet occupation and perceived revival of imperial ambitions in Russia.
The 8th of May vs. the 9th of May: What's the fuss?
The date of the official surrender of Nazi Germany was signed at two different locations on two separate days. Stalin insisted that the German commanders re-sign the document again in Soviet headquarters in Berlin-Karlshorst to emphasize the Red Army's key role in the liberation of Europe from fascism. Today, the two dates mark different historical perspectives, leading to a "memory war" over who deserves credit for the end of the war.
What is a "memory war"?
Historical events are being used as weapons once again. Territorial claims are made or rejected using historical arguments. The interpretation of the end of the war plays a significant role here, as the world is divided into two camps — one that supports Russia's narrative, emphasizing the crucial role of the Red Army in defeating fascism and shaping today's Russian self-understanding, and another that also acknowledges the Soviet Union's historical achievement but wants to highlight that the liberation for many Eastern European states was not followed by self-determination.
The role of "memory war" in the current geopolitical landscape
The "memory war" between Russia and other countries, such as Ukraine and the Baltic states, has intensified in recent years. It escalated following the annexation of Crimea and Russia's military intervention in Ukraine. Aggressive rhetoric from Putin and his supporters aligns with the perceptions of those who see themselves as victims of imperialist policies from the Soviet Union during World War II and in contemporary times.
The past, present and future of Victory Day
In Germany, the divide over remembering World War II endures. Several historical views persist due to the country's Cold War legacy, making it vulnerable to certain Russian narratives. As political tensions rise, a rethinking of positions is necessary, as the broad consensus Richard von Weizsäcker established on the 40th anniversary of the war's end will likely not hold in the coming decade.
Rebecca Wegmann spoke with Corinna Kuhr-Korolev
Sources: ntv.de, geopoliticalmonitor.com
- Russia
- Vladimir Putin
- 80 years since the end of the war
- Second World War
- Germany
- Baltic region
- Ukraine
- Ukraine conflict
- Memory Wars
- Historical Narratives
- Geopolitical Divides
Enrichment Data:Historical Narratives
- USSR propaganda promoted victory over fascism as a Soviet achievement, erasing contributions from other Soviet republics (especially Ukraine) and Western allies. These narratives fuel the "memory wars" and serve political ends.
- The "memory wars" involve revisionist history where key events and actors are selectively omitted or embellished to suit the narrative of the ruling party.
Geopolitical Divides
- Due to the politicization of World War II commemoration, there is a stark division between countries that support Russia's interpretation and those that emphasize the historical achievements of other nations. Western leaders no longer attend Victory Day celebrations, and the guest-list has shifted to include leaders from countries with authoritarian regimes.
- The "memory wars" impact foreign relations as countries compete to shape historical narratives and legitimize their policies. The framing of events by Russia has resulted in isolation from the democratic world and realignment with other authoritarian regimes.
Memory Wars as a Tool for Control
- By monopolizing the interpretation of World War II history, the Kremlin aims to suppress dissent, legitimize aggressive foreign policies, and foster a sense of national purpose centered around the state's present-day goals.
- The "memory wars" can be seen as an extension of the ongoing power struggle in the post-Soviet space, with Russia seeking to assert dominance over its neighbors and shape regional geopolitics.
Externalization of Responsibility
- To justify its actions in Ukraine, Russia has externalized the blame by depicting itself as defending against "fascism" and "Nazism." This narrative draws parallels between World War II and the invasion of Ukraine, presenting itself as the protector of historical justice. However, this narrative is widely criticized as an example of historical revisionism and propaganda.
- The European Union, recognizing the geopolitical implications of the recurring "memory wars," has condemned Russia's attempts to distort World War II history and externalize responsibility for its actions.
- Moreover, in a move to counteract polarizing narratives, the European Union has been actively promoting historical education programs across Eastern Europe, with a focus on Belarus and Osteuropa, aiming to instill a deeper understanding of the Second World War and its consequences.
- To combat Russia's propaganda, many European Union member states are utilizing social media platforms like WhatsApp and general-news outlets to distribute accurate information about the war, refuting the distorted narratives and stressing the importance of truth in shaping politics and international relations.
- In the face of the "memory wars," the European Union is working to maintain a unified front, upholding the shared history of European nations and upholding the principles of democracy, peace, and common understanding in the face of disinformation and historical revisionism.
