Russia Celebrates Victory Day with Patriotic Pageantry and Putin’s Political Agenda

Title: Russia Celebrates Victory Day with Patriotic Pageantry Amid Putin’s Fifth Term

MOSCOW (AP) — Russia is gearing up for Victory Day, a celebration of its triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II that President Vladimir Putin has made a cornerstone of his nearly 25-year rule and a rationale for his actions in Ukraine.

Despite the dwindling number of veterans from the Great Patriotic War, the victory over Nazi Germany remains a deeply cherished symbol of Russia’s strength and a crucial aspect of its national identity.

Thursday’s festivities, spearheaded by Putin as he embarks on his fifth term as president, pay homage to the wartime sacrifices that continue to define the country’s most significant secular holiday.

The Soviet Union suffered an estimated 27 million casualties during the war, leaving an indelible mark on nearly every family. From the initial invasion in 1941 to the raising of the hammer and sickle flag in Berlin, the USSR’s resilience in the face of adversity remains a powerful testament to its ability to overcome formidable challenges.

Since assuming power at the turn of the millennium, Putin has elevated May 9 to a key component of his political agenda, showcasing military prowess with grand displays of tanks, missiles, and fighter jets. Veterans adorned with medals, many donning the iconic black-and-orange St. George’s ribbon, join Putin in reviewing the parade.

Putin, who often recounts his family’s wartime experiences, shares poignant memories of his father, a front-line soldier severely wounded during the Nazi siege of Leningrad. His father’s determination to reunite with his wife, Maria, who was mistakenly declared dead during the blockade, underscores the personal toll of the conflict.

In an effort to preserve the Soviet legacy and suppress dissenting narratives, Russia has enacted laws prohibiting the rehabilitation of Nazism and challenging official accounts of World War II. Putin’s invocation of World War II to justify the incursion into Ukraine, citing the need for “denazification,” has drawn condemnation from Kyiv and Western allies.

As Russia grapples with its Soviet past and confronts contemporary geopolitical challenges, Victory Day serves as a poignant reminder of the nation’s resilience and unity in the face of adversity.

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