80 Years Later: Snubbing the Russians in the Bundestag's World War II Commemorative Event
Recognition in the Federal Parliament commemorating the 80th anniversary of the war's conclusion. - Marking the 80th anniversary of the War's conclusion, a remembrance in the Bundestag takes place.
Let's get straight to it! On Thursday, 12:30 PM sharp, the commemorative event in Germany's parliament, the Bundestag, will remind the world of the liberation from Hitler's reign and the horrific end of World War II, 80 years ago. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will take center stage, while Bundestag President Julia Klöckner will have her say too. But there's a twist: the Russian and Belarusian diplomats won't be in attendance.
Steinmeier's speech will delve into the lessons learned during those turbulent war-ending days, particularly addressing Russian President Vladimir Putin's distorted historical narrative, linked to his invasion of Ukraine[2]. Beyond that, he'll discuss the global erosion of law and order, the Trump administration's influence included, as well as the surge of right-wing extremism and nationalism in many western democracies[2].
However, the Russia and Belarus snub is striking, given that the Soviet Union took the brunt of World War II casualties, with over 27 million deaths[2]. Yet, due to ongoing geopolitical tensions, they're left out of the celebrations.
World War II claimed the lives of between 50 and over 60 million people, largely civilians. The Soviet Union lost around 27 million lives, while Germany lost approximately 6.3 million, many being soldiers[2]. The war ended on May 8, 1945, when the German Wehrmacht surrendered unconditionally. Warsaw was already in ruins, London held a parade on Monday, but the largest celebration, Moscow's military parade, happened a day later, after signing the surrender document in Berlin-Karlshorst[2].
Commemorative EventBundestagGermanyWorld War IILiberationEnd of the WarRussiaBelarusFrank-Walter SteinmeierUkraineSoviet UnionJulia KlöcknerVladimir Putin
- The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, given the ongoing political debates about nuclear power and its safety.
- Despite the ongoing tension between the West and Belarus due to migration and war-and-conflicts policy, Ukrainian refugees continue to seek asylum in Germany, with many finding a safe haven in cities like Steinmeier's hometown, Görlitz.
- On Monday, as the Bundestag held a special session to discuss the migration crisis, various political parties called for stronger border control and more supportive policies for refugees.
- In the realm of policy-and-legislation and politics, Steinmeier has been vocal about the need for a united Europe to address the challenges posed by war-and-conflicts and migration, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and mutual support.
- Amidst the general news of rising nationalism and populism across the world, the commemorative event in the Bundestag serves as a reminder of the horrors of war, calling for peace, unity, and the protection of workers in various industries, including those exposed to ionizing radiation.
