The Hindu: Published on 9th May 2025:
Why in News?
On May 9, Russia celebrated Victory Day, marking the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II.
President Vladimir Putin used the occasion to justify Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, now in its third year.
He claimed that neo-Nazi groups dominate Ukrainian politics, even though President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is Jewish.
These claims have been firmly denied by both Ukraine and Western nations.
Historical Background:
During World War II (1941–1945), the Soviet Union suffered the loss of 27 million people.
The conflict is referred to in Russia as the Great Patriotic War, forming a crucial part of its national identity.
Soviet forces turned the tide at Stalingrad and Kursk, and ultimately reached Berlin to defeat Nazi Germany.
Putin frequently shares personal family stories from the war, including the loss of his brother and his parents’ hardships.
Strategic Significance:
Victory Day is a powerful tool for Putin to promote nationalism and display Russia’s military strength.
The celebrations include massive parades with soldiers, tanks, and nuclear-capable missile launchers rolling across Red Square.
The day helps revive Soviet-era prestige and reinforce Russia’s image as a global power.
Domestic Use:
In a politically divided Russia, Victory Day remains a unifying event and is used to build internal support.
Over 25 years in power, Putin has reshaped Victory Day into a pillar of his leadership and ideology.
The day also helps distract public attention from economic issues or criticism over the Ukraine war.
Ukraine Invasion Connection:
On launching the invasion in February 2022, Putin said the goal was to “demilitarize” and “denazify” Ukraine.
He cited historical figures like Stepan Bandera, a Ukrainian nationalist who briefly cooperated with the Nazis, as evidence of Ukraine's supposed "Nazi roots".
This has been widely dismissed as false propaganda meant to legitimize Russia’s military aggression.
Analysts say Putin is weaponizing history to draw a parallel between WWII and the present conflict.
Global Reactions:
The West has rejected Putin’s “neo-Nazi” narrative, calling it an excuse to justify a brutal and illegal war.
Despite diplomatic isolation, Putin invited leaders like Xi Jinping to the parade to show that Russia is not internationally isolated.
However, Ukrainian drone attacks, airport disruptions in Moscow, and internet blackouts marred the celebrations.
Symbolism and Legacy:
Victory Day is Russia’s most significant secular holiday, symbolizing sacrifice, endurance, and national pride.
For Putin, it’s more than a commemoration — it is a platform to shape national memory and mobilize political support.
Political analyst Nikolai Petrov notes: “In the Kremlin’s plan, victory over Nazism rhymes with the so-called victory over Ukrainian neo-Nazism.”
Conclusion:
- Putin has turned historical memory into political capital, using WWII symbolism to rally the public and legitimize current policies.
- Victory Day is both a reminder of past sacrifice and a tool for current propaganda.
- The merging of war history and modern conflict helps the Kremlin create a narrative where Russia is once again “liberating” Europe from fascism — despite global rejection of this viewpoint.
