In the town of Dubna, a park resonates with the sounds of an extravagant historical re-enactment, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II. This event, featuring actors portraying Soviet soldiers battling for a symbolic Berlin, draws attention to Russia’s ongoing commemoration of its past victories. The re-enactment serves not only as a remembrance of the crushing defeat of Nazi Germany but also as a reminder of how deeply entrenched these historical narratives are in Russia’s national identity.
For Katya, a spectator at the event, the participation is deeply personal. Her grandfather fought valiantly in the war, ultimately never to return. Today, she faces a contrasting reality: her son has enlisted in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a situation she struggled to prevent. “He hasn’t listened to anyone since he was a kid,” she expresses, illustrating the heartbreaking cycle of war impacting her family across generations. While her grandfather fought to liberate the Soviet Union from Nazi rule, her son is involved in a conflict often framed by the Kremlin as a fight against contemporary Nazism.
The Great Patriotic War, as it is known in Russia, left an indelible mark on the nation, where loss reached a staggering figure of over 27 million citizens. The current Russian invasion of Ukraine is often narrated as a continuation of this struggle, with state media emphasizing the historical tensions between Russia and the West. The Kremlin’s portrayal resonates within the public discourse, transforming the modern military actions into a defense of Russia against perceived threats mirroring those from World War II.
Andrei Kolesnikov, a columnist for Novaya Gazeta, observes that Russia’s narrative has evolved. The commemoration of WWII is now contextualized as the first phase of an enduring conflict with Western forces. This reimagining is visible in the media portrayal of events, where Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine are equated with their predecessors in the Great Patriotic War, bolstering the government’s ideology of vulnerability and resilience.
Public displays across Russia increasingly reflect this narrative, with new monuments depicting heroes from both epochs and television programming reinforcing a steadfast image of Russia as a nation besieged by longstanding historical foes. Monumental showcases of military prowess have become central to Victory Day parades, aimed at unifying the populace under the resonant themes of defense and pride.
As the nation prepares to celebrate this significant anniversary with world leaders in attendance, the underlying complexities and contradictions of its commemorative practices linger. While the monumentality of past victories resonates through elaborate ceremonies, an unending war continues to shape the future of its citizens.
During this reflective period, individuals like 98-year-old Fyodor Melnikov draw connections between memory and advocacy for peace. Recalling the loss of his brother in WWII, he offers poignant insights on the catastrophic effects of war: “People should be allowed to live freely. Let them work, let them live their lives, let them die naturally.”
As a result, the observance on May 9 will not only be a celebration but an acknowledgment of the profound costs of conflict, instilling a deeper understanding of the term "victory" in both historical and contemporary contexts. In grappling with its past, Russia stands at a crossroads, navigating the significant weight of history as it faces an uncertain future.
For Katya, a spectator at the event, the participation is deeply personal. Her grandfather fought valiantly in the war, ultimately never to return. Today, she faces a contrasting reality: her son has enlisted in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a situation she struggled to prevent. “He hasn’t listened to anyone since he was a kid,” she expresses, illustrating the heartbreaking cycle of war impacting her family across generations. While her grandfather fought to liberate the Soviet Union from Nazi rule, her son is involved in a conflict often framed by the Kremlin as a fight against contemporary Nazism.
The Great Patriotic War, as it is known in Russia, left an indelible mark on the nation, where loss reached a staggering figure of over 27 million citizens. The current Russian invasion of Ukraine is often narrated as a continuation of this struggle, with state media emphasizing the historical tensions between Russia and the West. The Kremlin’s portrayal resonates within the public discourse, transforming the modern military actions into a defense of Russia against perceived threats mirroring those from World War II.
Andrei Kolesnikov, a columnist for Novaya Gazeta, observes that Russia’s narrative has evolved. The commemoration of WWII is now contextualized as the first phase of an enduring conflict with Western forces. This reimagining is visible in the media portrayal of events, where Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine are equated with their predecessors in the Great Patriotic War, bolstering the government’s ideology of vulnerability and resilience.
Public displays across Russia increasingly reflect this narrative, with new monuments depicting heroes from both epochs and television programming reinforcing a steadfast image of Russia as a nation besieged by longstanding historical foes. Monumental showcases of military prowess have become central to Victory Day parades, aimed at unifying the populace under the resonant themes of defense and pride.
As the nation prepares to celebrate this significant anniversary with world leaders in attendance, the underlying complexities and contradictions of its commemorative practices linger. While the monumentality of past victories resonates through elaborate ceremonies, an unending war continues to shape the future of its citizens.
During this reflective period, individuals like 98-year-old Fyodor Melnikov draw connections between memory and advocacy for peace. Recalling the loss of his brother in WWII, he offers poignant insights on the catastrophic effects of war: “People should be allowed to live freely. Let them work, let them live their lives, let them die naturally.”
As a result, the observance on May 9 will not only be a celebration but an acknowledgment of the profound costs of conflict, instilling a deeper understanding of the term "victory" in both historical and contemporary contexts. In grappling with its past, Russia stands at a crossroads, navigating the significant weight of history as it faces an uncertain future.
