Russia Celebrates WWII Victory Day Amid Deepening Ukraine Conflict

Russia is commemorating its World War II victory over Nazi Germany on Thursday, even as its relations with the West spiral deeper into crisis over the Russian military's offensive against Ukraine's Western-backed forces.

President Vladimir Putin, who rose to power just eight years after the Soviet Union's dissolution, will deliver a speech at the Victory Day parade on Red Square. However, the display of military hardware is expected to be more muted compared to parades before Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Why It Matters:

The Victory Day celebrations underscore the profound symbolism and historical narratives that Putin has invoked to justify Russia's actions in Ukraine. By casting the war as part of a broader struggle against the West, Putin aims to tap into the nationalist sentiments surrounding the Soviet Union's triumph over Nazi Germany. However, his rhetoric and actions have further strained Russia's relations with Western powers, heightening concerns about the potential for escalation and broader conflict.

In his speech at the parade, Putin is likely to portray the war in Ukraine as a continuation of Russia's historical resistance against foreign aggression, echoing the narrative of the Soviet Union's defeat of Nazi Germany. However, Ukraine and its Western allies accuse Russia of an imperialistic land grab, vowing to support Kyiv's forces in pushing back against the Russian offensive.

The commemorations come amid heightened tensions, with the United States and its allies providing billions of dollars in military aid to Ukraine. Russia has warned of the risks of a broader war involving nuclear powers, while Western leaders have refused to rule out the possibility of supplying Ukraine with longer-range weapons or even deploying troops.

As Russia marks this significant historical occasion, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine casts a long shadow over the celebrations, underscoring the profound divisions and competing narratives that have deepened the crisis between Russia and the West.

Key Takeaways: 

• Russia commemorates Victory Day amid deepening crisis with the West over the Ukraine conflict.
• Putin's speech is expected to invoke nationalist sentiments and historical narratives.
• The display of military hardware at the parade is anticipated to be more restrained.
• Putin may frame the Ukraine conflict as part of Russia's historical resistance against foreign aggression.
• Western powers accuse Russia of imperialistic ambitions and vow support for Ukraine.