How Putin uses the USSRs victory in World War II to rally support for him and the war in Ukraine

Published: Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 6:24 pm

Putin's Victory Day: How Russia Uses WWII to Justify War in Ukraine

Russia's Victory Day, celebrated on May 9th, is more than just a holiday; it's a cornerstone of Russian national identity and a key tool for President Vladimir Putin. This year's celebrations, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany, are particularly significant as Putin leverages the historical event to rally support for his ongoing war in Ukraine.

The Soviet Union's immense sacrifice during World War II, with an estimated 27 million lives lost, is deeply ingrained in the Russian psyche. Putin frequently invokes this history, emphasizing the Red Army's crucial role in defeating Nazism. He shares personal stories from his family's experiences during the war, further connecting with the public on an emotional level.

Putin has skillfully used Victory Day to bolster patriotism and project an image of Russia as a global power, especially after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The annual military parades, featuring thousands of troops and heavy weaponry, serve as a powerful display of military might. This year's celebrations, however, have been somewhat overshadowed by Ukrainian drone attacks and disruptions in Moscow, highlighting the ongoing conflict.

The Kremlin's narrative frames the war in Ukraine as a continuation of the fight against Nazism, echoing the rhetoric used during World War II. Putin has falsely claimed the invasion is aimed at "denazifying" Ukraine, using the country's historical ties to some nationalist figures as justification. This strategy aims to unite Russians behind the war effort by drawing parallels between the historical victory and the current conflict.

BNN's Perspective: While it's understandable that Russia would commemorate its victory in World War II, the blatant manipulation of history to justify the invasion of Ukraine is concerning. It's crucial to acknowledge the historical context while condemning the distortion of facts to support a military agenda. The use of such a significant historical event to rally support for a war that has caused immense suffering is a dangerous tactic.

Keywords: Victory Day, Russia, Vladimir Putin, World War II, Ukraine, Nazi Germany, Soviet Union, Red Army, Great Patriotic War, Invasion, Denazification, Military Parade, Patriotism, Kremlin, Historical Context, War in Ukraine, Russian Identity, Soviet Sacrifice, Global Power, Anti-Ukrainian Narratives

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