The Soviet state tapped memories of the war to build up a sense of national pride. Throughout the former Soviet Union, WWII is still known as the Great Patriotic War.
Wikimedia Commons / Via commons.wikimedia.org
After the breakup of the Soviet Union, May 9 celebrations in Russia became more muted. Over the last decade, Vladimir Putin has again advanced WWII as a centerpiece of modern Russian identity.
Eric Draper/White House via Getty Images
In 2005, Russia pulled out all the stops to mark the 60th anniversary of the 1945 Allied victory. Putin welcomed heads of state in Moscow, which was decorated with 50,000 flags for the occasion. "For the people of the former Soviet Union, it will forever remain a day of the people's great heroic deed, and for the countries of Europe and the entire planet — the day on which the world was saved," he said in a public address.
Advertisement
With Russia and Ukraine at odds, this year's Victory Day celebrations have taken on a political cast. Russia's pro-Kremlin state media describes the Kiev government as "fascist," a particularly charged term in the former Soviet Union.
Orange and black ribbons have become a symbol not only of Soviet military valor, but also of support for pro-Russian separatist militants in eastern Ukraine.
Sergei L. Loiko/Los Angeles Times / MCT
Advertisement
Amid rising tension, the Ukrainian government scaled back public events planned for May 9 in Kiev.
Putin attended Victory Day celebrations in Crimea, drawing the ire of Ukraine, the U.S. and other governments that denounced Russia's annexation of the peninsula in March.
Advertisement
Critics say Putin has exploited memories of WWII for political gain. "The victory in the war is the indulgence for every government sin," opposition journalist Tikhon Dzyadko wrote.
Advertisement
{{ blurb }}
{{/blurb}} {{#picture_url}}