Commemorating Victory: Russia's Complex Relationship with World War II and Modern Warfare

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II, an event steeped in national pride and collective memory for many Russians. As the country remembers its past, parallels are drawn to the ongoing war in Ukraine, as officials frame the current conflict as a continuation of the fight against fascism, despite the complexities of modern geopolitics.

Eighty miles from Moscow, the sounds of explosions and gunfire fill a park as re-enactors portray one of the final battles of Berlin in 1945. The scene captures the imagination of many, echoing a pivotal moment that led to the defeat of Nazi Germany, revered in Russia as The Great Victory. Families gather on the shore to witness this historical spectacle in Dubna, part of the ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet triumph in World War II.

Among the onlookers is Katya, whose grandfather lost his life during the war. This year, her son is also in combat, fighting in Ukraine—a situation that deeply resonates with her. “I tried to convince him not to enlist," she shares, "but he chose this path.” Her family's narrative intertwines generations who faced wars painted with different brushes of context and ideology.

Historically, World War II remains central to Russian collective identity, a narrative steeped in the dual concepts of victory and sacrifice. Over 27 million Soviet citizens perished in what is known as the Great Patriotic War. Today, as Russia faces condemnation for its invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin portrays the conflict as an extension of its historic fight against fascism, spinning a narrative where Russia is seen as both victor and victim.

Andrei Kolesnikov, a columnist, notes a critical shift in storytelling; the Great Patriotic War is now framed as the first chapter in a prolonged struggle against Western aggression. The conflict in Ukraine is similarly characterized—a “special military operation” presented as a defensive maneuver against a neo-fascist movement.

Russian state television amplifies these messages, presenting a sanitized view of history that often overlooks significant pacts, such as the 1939 non-aggression agreement between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. Recent broadcasts have seen provocations aimed at European leaders, further cementing the present conflict as a battle against historical adversaries.

Monuments unveil across various towns, such as one in Khimki that aligns a soldier from World War II next to a modern-day combatant in Ukraine, illustrating the intentional linking of narratives. Celebrations of Victory Day abound, fostering patriotic sentiments through billboards, metro decorations, and military parades emphasizing Russian resilience and strength.

Despite historical victories, Russia's current situation in Ukraine unfolds under a cloud of uncertainty. Originally anticipated as a swift operation, the conflict has stretched over three years, leaving significant casualties and a search for resolution unset. As military might is showcased ahead of commemorative events, including high-profile international attendance at parades in Moscow, echoes of historical warfare persist.

In Dubna, the re-enactment concludes as the Red Army is declared victorious—a symbolic victory that resonates with some spectators who echo the official narrative of a Russia besieged. Yet, stories of loss, such as that of 98-year-old Fyodor Melnikov, remind us that war brings hardship. Melnikov lost his brother to the Great Patriotic War and reflects poignantly on the personal cost of conflict.

As Russians gather to celebrate, the memory of sacrifice looms large, commemorating both those who fought and those who were lost—a duality of honoring past victories while grappling with the tumultuous realities of current wars. The struggle remains as poignant today as it did eight decades ago, while the notion of victory becomes increasingly complex amid ongoing conflicts.