As the 80th anniversary of Soviet victory in WWII approaches, Russia mirrors past triumphs while facing present challenges in Ukraine.
Rethinking Victory: Russia's Reflections on World War II Amid Current Conflicts
Rethinking Victory: Russia's Reflections on World War II Amid Current Conflicts
Russian commemorations of WWII intertwine history with modern warfare narratives.
In the small town of Dubna, eighty miles from Moscow, the air vibrates with staged explosions and gunfire as a historical re-enactment captures one of the final battles of Berlin in 1945. Onlookers observe as Soviet soldiers symbolically tear down a swastika in favor of the hammer and sickle, marking a significant moment of triumph over Nazi Germany—an event that is still revered in Russia today, referred to as The Great Victory.
This year, such re-enactments and commemorative events proliferate across the nation in light of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II. The festivities serve to evoke patriotic sentiments and a shared narrative of struggle and triumph, solidified in the national consciousness. Katya, a witness at the re-enactment, expresses her personal connection, recalling her grandfather's disappearance during the war—a deeply resonant story that connects her family lineage to the wars of both past and present, as her own son currently serves in Ukraine.
More than just a remembrance, the celebration of victory serves as a cultural pillar for many Russians. The Great Patriotic War is often evoked to draw parallels with contemporary conflicts, particularly the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. While the Kremlin describes the invasion as a “special military operation,” it blankets the narrative in themes reminiscent of WWII struggles against fascism and Nazism. This narrative has taken hold despite global outcry and condemnation from entities such as the United Nations.
As historian Andrei Kolesnikov notes, the triumph in the Great Patriotic War has consistently been a unifying foundation for Russian identity, especially in the absence of other civic focal points. Today's political climate exploits these historical sentiments, presenting a problematic conflation of past heroism with current aggression. State-controlled media frequently paints Europe as a perennial adversary, showcasing documentaries that draw tenuous links between historical and contemporary conflicts without acknowledging complexities like the 1939 non-aggression pact between Hitler and Stalin.
The strategic use of symbolism and imagery amplifies these themes. Recently, a monument in Khimki unveiled a tribute to soldiers from WWII alongside those currently deployed in Ukraine, accentuating a seamless connection between past and present conflicts. The streets of Moscow are festooned with victories from the past, with visuals and exhortations urging citizens to remember and take pride in their historical narrative.
As Russia gears up for Victory Day on May 9, the memory of WWII is articulated through displays of military prowess. Military parades have become central to national observance, presenting a dual purpose of honoring those lost while reinforcing the strength of the Russian state. Ironically, while historical victories are celebrated, the outcomes of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine stand in stark contrast, as the Kremlin's expectations of a swift victory remain unrealized.
The day will be marked by the presence of international dignitaries, bolstering a narrative of solidarity, yet recent drone attacks in Moscow illustrate the persistent tensions and dangers surrounding the observance. For citizens like Lidiya, the ideology of Russia as a beleaguered but resilient fortress resonates strongly, as they grapple with their perception of external threats.
Amidst the retrospective celebrations, individuals like 98-year-old Fyodor Melnikov carry painful memories of war’s devastating cost, having lost family during the Great Patriotic War. His recollections serve as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made, juxtaposing the celebratory tone of the day with poignant reflections on the true nature and consequences of conflict.
As Russia commemorates The Great Victory, the occasion transcends a mere celebration; it becomes an opportunity for collective remembrance and introspection on the enduring repercussions of war, past and present.
This year, such re-enactments and commemorative events proliferate across the nation in light of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II. The festivities serve to evoke patriotic sentiments and a shared narrative of struggle and triumph, solidified in the national consciousness. Katya, a witness at the re-enactment, expresses her personal connection, recalling her grandfather's disappearance during the war—a deeply resonant story that connects her family lineage to the wars of both past and present, as her own son currently serves in Ukraine.
More than just a remembrance, the celebration of victory serves as a cultural pillar for many Russians. The Great Patriotic War is often evoked to draw parallels with contemporary conflicts, particularly the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. While the Kremlin describes the invasion as a “special military operation,” it blankets the narrative in themes reminiscent of WWII struggles against fascism and Nazism. This narrative has taken hold despite global outcry and condemnation from entities such as the United Nations.
As historian Andrei Kolesnikov notes, the triumph in the Great Patriotic War has consistently been a unifying foundation for Russian identity, especially in the absence of other civic focal points. Today's political climate exploits these historical sentiments, presenting a problematic conflation of past heroism with current aggression. State-controlled media frequently paints Europe as a perennial adversary, showcasing documentaries that draw tenuous links between historical and contemporary conflicts without acknowledging complexities like the 1939 non-aggression pact between Hitler and Stalin.
The strategic use of symbolism and imagery amplifies these themes. Recently, a monument in Khimki unveiled a tribute to soldiers from WWII alongside those currently deployed in Ukraine, accentuating a seamless connection between past and present conflicts. The streets of Moscow are festooned with victories from the past, with visuals and exhortations urging citizens to remember and take pride in their historical narrative.
As Russia gears up for Victory Day on May 9, the memory of WWII is articulated through displays of military prowess. Military parades have become central to national observance, presenting a dual purpose of honoring those lost while reinforcing the strength of the Russian state. Ironically, while historical victories are celebrated, the outcomes of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine stand in stark contrast, as the Kremlin's expectations of a swift victory remain unrealized.
The day will be marked by the presence of international dignitaries, bolstering a narrative of solidarity, yet recent drone attacks in Moscow illustrate the persistent tensions and dangers surrounding the observance. For citizens like Lidiya, the ideology of Russia as a beleaguered but resilient fortress resonates strongly, as they grapple with their perception of external threats.
Amidst the retrospective celebrations, individuals like 98-year-old Fyodor Melnikov carry painful memories of war’s devastating cost, having lost family during the Great Patriotic War. His recollections serve as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made, juxtaposing the celebratory tone of the day with poignant reflections on the true nature and consequences of conflict.
As Russia commemorates The Great Victory, the occasion transcends a mere celebration; it becomes an opportunity for collective remembrance and introspection on the enduring repercussions of war, past and present.
