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How Putin uses the USSR’s victory in World War II to rally support for him and the war in Ukraine
- On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which President Vladimir Putin justified using World War II references.
- Putin framed the invasion as a fight against Ukrainian 'neo-Nazism,' citing Ukraine’s nationalist figures while Kyiv and Western allies strongly rejected these claims.
- Victory Day on May 9, marking the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat, features large military parades displaying thousands of troops and advanced weapons, including nuclear missile launchers.
- Putin highlighted the significant sacrifices made by the Soviet people to secure victory, underscoring the pivotal contributions of the Soviet Union and Red Army, while also referencing his family's personal experiences from World War II.
- The Kremlin uses the Great Patriotic War as a patriotic foundation to reinforce Putin’s leadership, justify the Ukraine war, and counter Western isolation efforts amid ongoing conflict disruptions.
101 Articles
101 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.
On May 9, Russia celebrates its victory over Germany. Putin takes the opportunity to demonstrate his power and now draws on children.
Russia’s “Great Patriotic War”: a Kremlin propaganda tool against Ukraine and “Eurofascism”
Why do the Russian authorities repeatedly invoke references to the Second World War – or, in Russian parlance, the “Great Patriotic War” – when speaking about Ukraine. Understanding this memory dynamic is essential to grasp the power of a rhetoric which, despite lacking any factual basis, continues to shape the Russian worldview.
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
- 47% of the sources are Center
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