For Vladimir Putin, the parade of victory over Nazi Germany on May 9 is an important symbol. But in view of the course of the war in Ukraine, the supposed demonstration of strength seems to many Russians only like a macabre PR spectacle.
By Andrzej Rybak
For 78 years, May 9, the Day of Victory over Nazi Germany, has been the most important holiday in Russia. The joint commemoration of the Great Patriotic War, as the Second World War is called here, used to unite all countries of the long-disintegrated Soviet Union – and also Russian society. Pride in this success, paid for with 27 million victims, shaped the country’s identity, it helped people to cope with the economic downturn in the 1990s and to this day gives them a picture of Russia’s strength.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
