Yesterday, the Russian Federation celebrated the Allied victory over Nazi Germany.
The run-up to the events in Moscow has been different from past years, given that after initiating its unjustified war against Ukraine twelve years ago, Moscow now finds itself, its military, and its petroleum infrastructure under constant attack from Ukraine’s drones.
Also, the Military hardware which has traditionally been a centerpiece of the Moscow parades has been cut back for fear of Ukrainian drones. Putin has been preoccupied with a celebration-protecting cease fire. Of course, without the military hardware in Red Square, Putin should not have worried. Ukraine, unlike Russia, only strikes military and petroleum infrastructure.
Another difference this year, it seems to me, is that for decades the Kremlin celebration has been one proclaimed to celebrate “Russia’s” victory over the Nazis. For the most part, this year, the reference has been to the “Soviet” victory.
And this leads me to remind of two things: (a) World War II started with the Kremlin aligned with Germany as allies and; (b) it is important to recall the cost of World War II to the individual republics of the former Soviet Union.
Putin is a master of rewriting and/or creating history that serves his purpose. Remember, the truth is vitally important.
ROBERT MCCONNELL
Co-Founder, U.S.-Ukraine Foundation
Director of External Affairs, Friends of Ukraine Network
The text is Mr. McConnell’s and does not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation or the Friends of Ukraine Network (FOUN).