US EditionHow Putin uses the USSR’s victory in World War II to rally support for him and the war in Ukraine
- On May 9, 2025, Russia marked Victory Day with large military parades in Moscow amidst the ongoing Ukraine war that began on February 24, 2022.
- Vladimir Putin supports his invasion by linking it to World War II victory, alleging Ukraine requires demilitarization and denazification despite strong denials from Kyiv and allies.
- Putin often references Soviet sacrifices in the Great Patriotic War, invoking family war stories and framing the fight against Ukraine as a continuation of defeating Nazism.
- Thousands of soldiers and numerous heavy weapons, including missile launchers capable of carrying nuclear warheads, marched through Red Square as Putin emphasized the enduring significance of the sacrifices made by the Soviet people to achieve victory.
- Analysts say the Kremlin blends World War II memory with anti-Ukrainian narratives to boost patriotism and justify the war, though these claims oversimplify complex historical and political realities.
99 Articles
99 Articles
‘A crime against the memory of those who died’ Meduza’s Russian-language readers on what Victory Day means to them amid Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine
On May 9, Russia marks Victory Day — the anniversary of the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. But as it has for the past three years, the country’s own war of aggression against Ukraine casts a long shadow over the celebrations. Ahead of the holiday, Meduza invited its Russian-language readers to share their thoughts on a holiday shaped by war and propaganda that now evokes mixed emotions for many. What follows is a selectio…
Don't Mention The (Ukraine) War: How Putin Celebrated WWII Victory Day
Putin’s Victory Day speech on Red Square was one of the shortest in years, maybe ever. It was heavy on the usual tropes: the nobility of the Soviet sacrifice in helping to defeat Nazi Germany. But light on a more current conflict that is transforming Russian society: His war on Ukraine.
Raul Rebane: May 9th changed from Victory Day to a day of threats
The growth of the meaning and message of May 9th came with the propaganda of Vladimir Putin's imperialist ambitions, and now May 9th is also a day of threats, notes Raul Rebane in Vikerraadio's daily commentary.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
Ownership
To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage
