On a crisp day that saw snow flurries dance against the backdrop of Moscow’s iconic Red Square, “We mark Victory Day at a time when we are carrying out the Special Military Operation,” President Vladimir Putin said in his Red Square address.
Under Vladimir Putin, Victory Day has become Russia’s most important secular holiday. If this country today has any kind of national idea, it is the idea of victory. Russians are constantly being told that throughout history their country has come under attack from enemies abroad – like Napoleon and Hitler – and has emerged victorious. They want the Russian public to view the war in Ukraine as a continuation of World War Two, so that Russians believe that once again external forces are fighting to destroy Russia. Today’s enemies – Ukraine and the West.
“We are going forward relying on our centuries-old traditions and feel confident that together we will ensure a free and secure future of Russia,” declared Putin. His speech was dedicated to the troops engaged in Ukraine, whom he referred to as “our heroes”. The commitment to their mission was evident as Putin claimed, “all of Russia is with you.”
Putin accused Western powers of “fueling regional conflicts, inter-ethnic and inter-religious strife and trying to contain sovereign and independent centers of global development.” Putin stressed, “Russia will do everything to prevent global confrontation, but will not allow anyone to threaten us,” affirming that “Our strategic forces are in combat readiness.”
Putin, 71, talks frequently about his family history, sharing memories of his father, who fought on the front during the Nazi siege of the city and was badly wounded. As much as the day was about honoring the past, Putin did not miss the opportunity to castigate the West for what he labeled as “revanchism … hypocrisy and lies” regarding their acknowledgment of the Soviet role in WWII.
There was tight security in the capital, and parades were cancelled in several areas, including the western Kursk and Pskov regions, due to security concerns. The parade in Moscow was scaled back compared with past years amid the mobilisation on the front lines. Although the U.S. and U.K. ambassadors did not attend, Putin was joined by other dignitaries and presidents of several former Soviet nations along with a few other Moscow allies, including the leaders of Cuba, Guinea-Bissau and Laos.
Relevant articles:
– Putin hails Russia’s army in Ukraine and warns off West in WW2 victory parade , BBC.com, 05/10/2024
– President Putin warns the West that Russian forces are combat ready at Victory Day parade, NBC News, 05/09/2024
– In Victory Day speech, Putin accuses West of ‘distorting history’, POLITICO Europe, 05/09/2024
– Russia’s celebration of victory in World War II is a key pillar of Putin’s rule, Al Jazeera English, 05/09/2024