Soviet Union commemorates the 80th anniversary of their triumph over Nazi Germany
Rewritten Article:
YO, IT'S SCOTT SIMON HOSTING HERE:
Victory Day stands as Russia's most profound secular holiday, marking the Soviet Union's triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II. Yet, this year's 80th anniversary has been overshadowed by Russia's conflict in Ukraine. NPR's Charles Maynes dropped by yesterday's events in Moscow, and here's the scoop.
(SOUNDBITE OF MAJESTIC MUSIC)
CHARLES MAYNES, ON THE SCENE:
For nearly a quarter century, Russian President Vladimir Putin has honored Victory Day by leading a Soviet-style military parade on Red Square and honoring the over 20 million Soviets who sacrificed their lives to defeat Hitler's armies.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN: (English translation) Our unity is rooted in shared feelings of joy and grief, pride and gratitude, and admiration for the generation that crushed Nazism and brought freedom and peace to the world.
MAYNES: Putin acknowledged allies, including the West, who aided in the victory all those years ago. He made only passing references to the ongoing war in Ukraine or the current "special military operation."
ILYA KILYAKOV: (Speaking Russian).
MAYNES: "Soon the special military operation will have lasted longer than World War II," notes Ilya Kilyakov (ph), a former conscript we met at the parade. "I think, perhaps, people are growing a bit weary," he explains, pointing out Putin's tone shift. In the past, Putin has argued repeatedly and falsely that the war is a continuation of the struggle against fascism in modern form, and the crowd at Red Square seemed to embrace that narrative.
YULIA VELIKHOVA: (Speaking Russian).
MAYNES: "No one in our country doubts we'll achieve victory again," says Yulia Velikhova (ph) of the Committee of Families of Warriors for the Fatherland. Her eldest son is currently stationed in Ukraine.
VELIKHOVA: (Speaking Russian).
MAYNES: She shares that seeing soldiers like her son on the Red Square parade brought both her fears and joy. "This is true strength," she says. "These are real men defending our country."
ALEXEY TALAI: (Speaking Russian).
MAYNES: Alexey Talai (ph) revealed that he's been sanctioned by the U.S. and Europe for assisting with the "evacuation" – or abduction, as the West would put it – of Ukrainian children to neighboring Belarus. "Russia had to invade to protect Russian speakers in Ukraine," he asserts, adding that fascism is resurfacing in Europe. And then there was lawmaker Alexander Borodai, also under Western sanctions for fostering the war in Donbas more than a decade ago, stating unequivocally that Russia's work in Ukraine is far from complete.
ALEXANDER BORODAI: (Through interpreter) The process isn't over. It's still ongoing. Yes, it's taken longer than expected because of the West's support for Ukraine. But we're prepared to pay the price because it's our land.
(SOUNDBITE OF VEHICLES RUSHING BY)
MAYNES: As the parade drew to a close, jets soared overhead, creating a tricolor rainbow in the sky, and a military choir broke into song - the player, "Den Pobedy," or "Victory Day." Whether the performance symbolized the past or the present was open to interpretation.
Ukraine left its mark on the proceedings in various ways. The internet was shut down to forestall potential Ukrainian drone attacks, even as weapons designed for striking Ukraine were on prominent display in the Moscow parade.
While most Western nations, including the U.S., opted against attending the festivities at Red Square, Putin was joined by over two dozen world leaders. Several, like Chinese President Xi Jinping, brought their nation's troops to participate in the march.
Russian lawmaker Vladislav Davankov concluded that the West's attempts to isolate Russia had failed, telling us, "We see delegations from all sorts of countries. We're not alone, and this holiday is important to the whole world."
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be final and may be updated or revised in the future.
Enrichment Data:
Overall:
Russia's commemoration of Victory Day on May 9, traditionally a celebration of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, has been significantly impacted by the ongoing war in Ukraine. Here are several ways the conflict has influenced these celebrations:
- Political Messaging: The Kremlin used Victory Day to reinforce a narrative of broad international support and to justify its actions in Ukraine. Russian officials highlighted technological advancements and partnerships with countries like China and North Korea[1]. Additionally, there was an emphasis on the development of a civic Russian identity, contrasting with ethno-religious nationalism[1].
- Continued Military Operations: Despite a unilateral ceasefire announcement by Russia from May 8–11, military operations continued, with Russia launching guided aerial bombs against Ukraine, including during the May 9 celebrations[2]. This indicates that while Victory Day is a significant national holiday, Russia has not ceased hostilities to mark the occasion[2].
- Domestic and International Perception: Russia's efforts to align its military actions in Ukraine with the historical narrative of World War II have been evident. Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov equated the war in Ukraine with the Soviet Union's glorious past, emphasizing that domestic unity is crucial for achieving victory[3]. This messaging aims to rally domestic support and justify the ongoing conflict.
- External Support and Opposition: Ukraine's European allies remained committed to supporting Ukraine, both militarily and diplomatically, with the EU voting to establish a tribunal to prosecute Russian aggression and promising significant military aid[2]. Meanwhile, Victory Day saw delegations from 35 countries and the Council of Europe visiting Lviv to celebrate Europe Day, underscoring Ukraine's connection to Europe and opposition to Russian aggression[1].
- NPR's Charles Maynes reported from the Victory Day events in Moscow, highlighting Russian President Vladimir Putin's almost quarter-century tradition of honoring the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany with a parade on Red Square.
- Putin acknowledged allies who assisted in the victory during his Victory Day speech, but made only passing references to the ongoing war in Ukraine or the current "special military operation."
- Ilya Kilyakov, a former conscript, noted that the ongoing war in Ukraine has lasted longer than World War II, raising concerns about public sentiments regarding the conflict.
- Despite Western sanctions, Alexey Talai, who assisted with the evacuation of Ukrainian children to neighboring Belarus, maintained that Russia invaded Ukraine to protect Russian speakers, and claimed that fascism is resurfacing in Europe.
