- Victory Day (9 May) – Key Context:
Commemorates Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
Considered Russia’s most significant public holiday, especially under President Vladimir Putin.
Symbolizes national pride, military strength, and historical legacy.
- Political and Symbolic Importance under Putin:
Transformed into a grand display of military power and patriotism.
Since 2022 (post-Ukraine invasion), used to justify and glorify military aggression.
Portrayed as a continuation of WWII, with Ukraine depicted as a fascist threat.
- Soviet WWII Imagery Reused:
Slogans like “We can do it again” and “We can repeat it” used by Russian forces.
St. George’s ribbon (orange-black), once a WWII symbol, now represents support for the invasion of Ukraine.
- Narrative Framing & Propaganda:
Kremlin labels the Ukraine invasion as a “special military operation,” similar to WWII being termed the “Great Patriotic War.”
Putin claims Soviet forces fought WWII “alone,” ignoring Allied contributions.
Justifications like “denazification” and “anti-fascism” are unsubstantiated propaganda tools.
- Term – “Pobedobesie”:
A derogatory Russian term referring to exaggerated, grotesque Victory Day celebrations.
Reflects growing internal and external criticism of hyper-nationalist rhetoric.
- Ukraine’s Response:
Ukraine under President Zelenskyy has distanced itself from Soviet traditions.
In 2023, Ukraine moved its WWII remembrance day to 8 May, aligning with European norms.
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