President Vladimir V. Putin presided over the Victory Day parade in Red Square, marking an 80-year celebration of the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany. This year’s event was particularly significant as it juxtaposed Russia’s historical glory with its ongoing military actions in Ukraine. Putin was joined by leaders from nations like China and Brazil, reinforcing the Kremlin’s narrative that countries from the “global south” are emerging as counterweights to Western influence. The spectacle featured thousands of soldiers and military vehicles, including a contingent of Chinese troops, underscoring both military might and international solidarity against perceived Western hegemony.
The importance of this year’s parade was underscored by its status as the largest since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. With the highest attendance of foreign dignitaries since 2015, their presence—or absence—served as a barometer for global geopolitical alignments. In stark contrast to this show of military strength, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected Putin’s proposed cease-fire, characterizing it as a mere “theatrical show.” As tensions mounted, Ukraine intensified its military campaigns against Russian positions, with Zelensky asserting that “the sky of the aggressor” would not be calm during the holiday celebrations.
For Russia, the parade has traditionally symbolized national pride and unity, commemorating the immense sacrifices made during World War II, which claimed over 26 million Soviet lives. However, since the invasion of Ukraine, the event has morphed into a source of division, both domestically and internationally. The Kremlin’s narrative has framed the Ukrainian government as neo-Nazi, a characterization that stands in stark contrast to the historical facts surrounding Zelensky, a Jewish leader whose family suffered during the Holocaust. This distortion of history not only affects the Russian populace but also deepens the international divide concerning perceptions of the conflict.
Interestingly, while Russia celebrates Victory Day on May 9, many Western nations—including Ukraine—mark May 8 as their own day of remembrance, emphasizing the symbolic rift between former allies. This divergence arose from the time difference that existed when Nazi Germany surrendered. For Ukraine, adopting May 8 as its commemoration day signifies a conscious break from Soviet legacy and an assertion of national identity independent of Russian influence. This shift is emblematic of broader geopolitical realignments in a post-Soviet world increasingly polarized around issues of nationalism and historical narrative.
Putin’s personal connection to World War II also adds emotional weight to Victory Day. His family experienced firsthand the horrors of the siege of Leningrad, which deeply shaped his worldview. He has admitted to a generational hatred toward Germany, influenced by Soviet narratives propagated through literature and media. This complex historical legacy underscores the importance of the day for him, not merely as a celebration but as a means of invoking patriotism and unity in the face of modern challenges.
In the lead-up to this year’s parade, Moscow experienced significant disruptions, including airport closures due to Ukrainian drone attacks. These disturbances created chaos for thousands of travelers and forced businesses to halt activities. Such interruptions were emblematic of the current climate, where military tensions directly impact civilian life. While the parade showcased Russia’s military prowess, the ability to host such grand events is increasingly complicated by ongoing conflict, suggesting a strained relationship between national pride and the realities of warfare.
