Victory Day is one of the most significant national holidays in Russia. Every year, it marks the victory over Nazi Germany in what is known in Russia as the Great Patriotic War. This year, Russia commemorates the 80th anniversary of WWII, a landmark occasion that brings both reflection and celebration of the nation’s historical victories. However, this anniversary is not just about remembering the past; it also takes on a new dimension, given the ongoing war in Ukraine. The celebrations serve as a reminder of Russia’s national identity, its struggles during the war, and the role it continues to play on the global stage. In this article, we will explore what makes the 80th anniversary of WWII so significant, the role it plays in Russia’s national narrative, and how it is used in contemporary political discourse.
Why Is the 80th Anniversary of WWII So Important to Russia?
The 80th anniversary of WWII holds immense emotional and historical weight for Russians. It is not just a commemoration of a past victory but a key element of the country’s national identity. For Russia, the victory over Nazi Germany is seen as a triumph of resilience and sacrifice, as the Soviet Union lost over 27 million citizens during the war. This immense human cost, coupled with the eventual victory, remains a central theme in Russian culture and memory.
Victory Day serves as a time for people to honor the lives lost, remember the horrors of war, and reflect on the sacrifices made for peace and the preservation of the nation. Katya, a spectator at a re-enactment of a WWII battle in Dubna, explains how her family’s history is intertwined with the war. “I’m here because my grandfather fought in this war,” she says. “He went missing near Berlin. Much later, we found out he’d been killed in January 1945.” For many Russians like Katya, the 80th anniversary of WWII is an emotional connection to the past. This generational link creates a deep sense of pride and grief that is passed down through families, making the holiday a powerful reminder of sacrifice.
The deep emotional ties that many Russians feel toward Victory Day are tied to the fact that this war was a fight for survival. In the Soviet Union, the war was not just about military victory but about the preservation of national identity and values. The 80th anniversary of WWII offers a chance for Russians to honor the legacy of those who fought and died, and to reaffirm their commitment to defending their country against external threats.
How Does Russia's Government Use Victory Day to Shape Public Opinion?
The Russian government has long used the 80th anniversary of WWII to strengthen national pride and unity. Over the years, Victory Day celebrations have become an important platform for political messaging. The government frequently uses these events to reinforce the narrative of Russia as a powerful nation that overcame immense challenges. The celebrations include military parades, speeches, and media campaigns that focus on Russia’s historical victories and the country’s ongoing role as a protector of peace.
Recently, however, these celebrations have been shaped by contemporary events. The Kremlin has made a concerted effort to draw parallels between Russia’s current military actions in Ukraine and the fight against fascism during WWII. This attempt to position Russia as the victim of aggression, rather than the aggressor, is evident in how the 80th anniversary of WWII is portrayed in the media. Russian state television programs and documentaries, such as one titled “Europe Against Russia: Hitler’s Crusaders,” highlight Europe’s collaboration with Nazi Germany during WWII. By portraying the West as an untrustworthy partner, the Russian government seeks to justify its actions in Ukraine and present them as part of a larger, ongoing struggle against fascism.
In this narrative, the war in Ukraine is framed as a continuation of the Great Patriotic War. The Russian government’s portrayal of the current conflict emphasizes that the West, just as it did in the 1940s, poses a threat to Russia’s sovereignty. The Kremlin’s message is that Russia, like the Soviet Union in 1945, is fighting for its survival against foreign powers. This ideological framing serves to rally domestic support for the war while positioning Russia as a global defender against Western aggression. Read another article on the Philadelphia Eagles
How Are Ordinary Russians Responding to Victory Day Celebrations?
For many ordinary Russians, Victory Day is not just a political tool but a deeply personal commemoration. The 80th anniversary of WWII resonates strongly with those who have family members who fought and died during the war. In towns across Russia, including Dubna, re-enactments of famous WWII battles attract large crowds, as people gather to pay tribute to those who fought for their country. These re-enactments provide a visual connection to the past, bringing the stories of WWII to life in a way that history books cannot.
Katya’s family history is just one example of how deeply intertwined the war remains in Russian consciousness. “My son is in a war now. He’s in the ‘special military operation,'” she says, speaking of her son who volunteered to fight in Ukraine. “He volunteered. I tried to talk him out of it. But he hasn’t listened to anyone since he was a kid.” Katya’s family’s generational link to war—the loss of her grandfather and the involvement of her son in the current conflict—shows how the 80th anniversary of WWII continues to shape modern Russian identities.
For other Russians, like 98-year-old Fyodor Melnikov, the focus on military displays stirs painful memories of the war. Fyodor lost his brother in the Great Patriotic War, and speaking about his brother’s death brings up the agony of war. “War is a terrifying thing,” he reflects. “People should be allowed to live freely. Let them work, let them live their lives, let them die naturally.”
These personal stories illustrate the complexity of Russia’s relationship with its wartime history. While some see Victory Day as a celebration of national triumph, for others it is a time of sorrow and reflection. The 80th anniversary of WWII provides a moment for all Russians to remember the devastating human cost of war and to reflect on the ongoing conflicts that shape their world today.
What Symbolism Is Tied to Russia’s Victory Day Celebrations?
Victory Day is rich with symbolism. It is a time to honor not only the sacrifices made during WWII but also the resilience of the Russian people. Monuments, parades, and media portrayals all emphasize Russia’s role as a victor in the global struggle against fascism. The 80th anniversary of WWII is not just about remembering the past; it is also about asserting Russia’s place in the present world order.
In Khimki, near Moscow, a new monument has been unveiled that depicts a Red Army soldier alongside a modern Russian soldier fighting in Ukraine. This monument connects the Great Patriotic War to the present-day conflict, visually reinforcing the idea that Russia is once again engaged in a fight for survival. The symbolism is clear: the Soviet Union triumphed in 1945, and today’s Russia, though facing different threats, continues that legacy of resilience.
The importance of symbolism is also reflected in Russia’s use of public displays of military power. Military parades, the wearing of uniforms, and the public display of war imagery all contribute to a collective national identity. For many, the 80th anniversary of WWII is a celebration of not just the past but the present, with Victory Day serving as a reminder of Russia’s strength and its determination to protect its sovereignty.
How Does Russia’s Narrative Around Victory Day Affect Its International Relations?
Russia’s portrayal of Victory Day has far-reaching implications for its foreign relations. The narrative around the 80th anniversary of WWII helps to shape how Russia views itself in the global context. By positioning itself as the eternal defender against fascism, Russia strengthens its sense of national pride. However, this narrative is controversial, especially given Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
The framing of the conflict as a continuation of WWII allows the Kremlin to justify its actions and to position itself as a defender of global peace. This approach, however, has been met with significant criticism. Many countries, particularly in Europe, view Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as an act of aggression rather than a defense of peace. The 80th anniversary of WWII, therefore, becomes a point of contention in international relations, as Russia’s actions in Ukraine complicate its historical image as a victim of fascism.
Conclusion: What Lies Ahead for Russia’s Victory Day Celebrations?
Victory Day, especially the 80th anniversary of WWII, will continue to play a pivotal role in Russia’s national identity. The celebrations serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made during the war and the resilience of the Russian people. However, as Russia faces criticism for its actions in Ukraine, the meaning of Victory Day may evolve. The 80th anniversary of WWII will remain a cornerstone of Russian identity, but how the holiday is used politically and how it is understood internationally will continue to be a matter of significant debate.
As Russia commemorates its historical victories, it also faces the challenge of navigating a complex global landscape. The connection between past and present will remain central to Russia’s identity, but the narrative surrounding this connection will shape the future of Russia’s role on the world stage.
