Exploring the Battlefield of Memories: Russia's "Victory Day" at the Heart of Controversy
Russian Manipulation Exploits Memorial: A Look at Propaganda Misuse
Springtime rolls around, ushering in the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. Yet, the commemoration ceremony at the German Bundestag had one significant absence - representatives from Russia and Belarus. Osteuropa historian Corinna Kuhr-Korolev delves into the current war of memory, discussing the impact of ongoing conflicts on remembrance, in an interview with ntv.de.
ntv.de: So, let's dive right in. How's Russia celebrating "Victory Day" this year?
Corinna Kuhr-Korolev: As we all know, May 9th has been celebrated in Russia as the day the Red Army defeated Nazi Germany in the "Great Patriotic War." This holiday has become the country's most important national celebration, marked with extravagant parades and commemorations. This year, a shape-shifting logo and design guidelines have been provided by Moscow to ensure consistency in celebrations across all regions. You can find military marches in various cities, including St. Petersburg, Smolensk, and Volgograd, as well as at military bases. The main extravaganza takes place in Moscow, starring tanks rumbling over Red Square, fighter jets soaring above, and elite troops marching past the reviewing stand, all fresh from their latest skirmishes in Ukraine.
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Much has changed since the initial years after the war, when this day was not observed in the Soviet Union. Over time, it evolved into an official holiday, with military parades only held on major anniversaries in 1965, 1975, 1985, and 1990, before going on hiatus in the successor state of Russia until 1995. Today, these parades have taken on an increasingly militaristic hue, with displays of power intended to strike fear and rally support for Putin's brutal tactics in Ukraine.
Politicized History - A Weapon Once More
Kuhr-Korolev warns that the spectacle of tanks and soldiers on parade is no longer simply a show of patriotism or a display of power; she views it as a Harkening back to the days when history was weaponized. The divided celebrations, she asserts, are inevitable given the cyclical nature of historical rivalries and conflicts.
A Big Show, Domestically and Internationally
On the international stage, Putin aims to attract as many foreign representatives as possible. He desperately craves recognition of Russia's historical achievements and its claim to a leading role in global politics. While Putin basks in the adoration of his crowd, the surging soldiers and tanks serve as a chilling reminder to the rest of the world that beneath the grandeur, the shadows of war loom large.
The Two Sides of History - The War That Still Rages
World War II officially ended on May 7th in 1945, when Generaloberst Alfred Jodl signed the unconditional surrender of the German Wehrmacht at the headquarters of the Western Allies in Reims, France. The signing marked the end of fighting on the European fronts. However, as the sun rose on May 8th, a separate ceremony was held in front of the Soviet Army, with German supreme commanders signing the document once more at the Soviet headquarters in Berlin-Karlshorst. As a result, two distinct historical perspectives on the end of the war have emerged, increasingly intertwined in conflict and ideological charge.
Memory Wars: A Battlefield of Historical Truths
Historical narratives, once high ground for understanding, have descended to the trenches. Territorial power claims are now justified utilizing historical facts, with the interpretation of the end of the war playing a crucial role in this heated contest. Countries appear divided into two factions: one upholding the Russian narrative, emphasizing the Red Army's decisive role in Europe's liberation, and another acknowledging the Soviet Union's historical achievements while also championing the self-determination of Eastern European nations.
Ukraine: The Maelstrom at the Center
Full-scale war rages in Ukraine, its people's past and future tangled in the competition for truth and power. Putin's aggressive rhetoric, validated by his reinterpretations of history, serves as the foundation for the conflict in Ukraine. The fight against "fascism," in Putin's perspective, legitimizes his war of aggression and bolsters Russian nationalism at home. As history once again becomes a battleground, Ukraine becomes the crux of this tangled web.
The Past and the Present, Intertwined and Confusing
Russia's annexation of Crimea and the conflict in Ukraine have intensified a war of memory that spans both nations. Russia has long attempted to monopolize this holiday, creating a founding myth revolving around victory over fascism. In an attempt to rationalize Russia's invasion, they claim the effort in Ukraine is about preserving this very "sacred legacy."
A Civilized Confrontation, An Invitation to Friendship
In the face of this tangled mess, Kuhr-Korolev suggests that the true power lies in personal connections, transcending the official speeches, state-sanctioned events, and political power plays. Inviting friends from Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia, and other nations to our homes, sharing stories, and breaking bread together may be the only way to bridge the chasms created by our shared, painful histories. In this confrontation, bonds forged through love and understanding may prove stronger than the walls built by propaganda and hate.
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- The European Union has expressed concern over the ongoing memory wars in Eastern Europe, specifically the commemoration of World War II, citing the polarizing effects of Russia's "Victory Day" celebrations on general news and politics.
- A Whatssapp group dedicated to discussing Osteuropa history has been actively debating the impact of the war-and-conflicts in Ukraine on the commemoration of World War II, with experts from Belarus and the European Union contributing their perspectives.
- Despite the ongoing memory wars and political polarization, some Belarusians have called for a more unified European approach to commemorating World War II, suggesting that the celebration should serve as a commemoration of shared sacrifices rather than a tool for political maneuvering.
- Amidst the controversy surrounding Russia's "Victory Day" celebrations, the European Union has encouraged the Belarusian government to promote a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of World War II history, emphasizing the importance of historical truths in fostering peace and cooperation within the region.
