Putin Highlights Soviet Solidarity and Historical Distortion in Victory Day Speech Amid Nuclear Alert

In his speech during the annual Victory Day Parade, Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized the significance of the initial three challenging years of the Great Patriotic War and celebrated the solidarity of the whole Soviet people in confronting Germany and its supporters. Simultaneously, he highlighted the collective West’s involvement in distorting history and attempting to minimize the Soviet Union’s contribution. These statements coincided with the announcement of Russia’s strategic (i.e., nuclear) forces being kept on high alert. Moreover, Putin rejected assertions made by other nations and alliances regarding their exclusive status. The parade, which includes more than 9,000 individuals and 70 military units, is not merely an event for marches and ceremonies but also serves as a propagandistic tool for the Kremlin to make parallels between the Red Army’s triumph in 1945 and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has already extended beyond its third year. Other celebrations are taking place across Russia as well. Despite 79 years having elapsed since the conclusion of the Great Patriotic War, this celebration continues to stir deep emotions within people, regardless of changes in generations. In some former Soviet territories, historical revisionism is in progress to eradicate this holiday’s pride and elation, including Ukraine, Moldova, and the Baltic states. However, these endeavors have proven fruitless in light of the overwhelming support for this significant event.