Putin connected the Soviet victory over Nazism to Russia’s current military operation while emphasizing national unity and wartime memory.Victory Day address emphasizes historical memory, patriotism and collective national effort
Russian President Vladimir Putin used his address at the Victory Day parade in Moscow’s Red Square to honor the Soviet Union’s role in defeating Nazism, commemorate wartime sacrifices and connect that legacy to Russia’s ongoing military operation in Ukraine.
Speaking during the May 9 celebrations, Putin described Victory Day as Russia’s “most important holiday” and said the country would continue defending what he called the true history of the Great Patriotic War. He also stressed the importance of unity between the armed forces, workers and state institutions during periods of conflict.
Memory of heroes
Putin said Russia “sacredly honor[s] the legacy and commandments of the soldiers of Victory” and described the preservation of the memory of World War II as “a matter of honor.”
He paid tribute to Soviet soldiers and civilians who died during the war, including those killed in battle, occupation, captivity and the siege of Leningrad. “All of this lives on in family histories, in the hearts of our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In the memory of each of us, we bow our heads before those who fell in battle,” Putin said.
The Russian president stated that victory in the war “was won, suffered through, and achieved,” while emphasizing the unity between the battlefield and the home front. “The front and the home front were united. The people’s genuine patriotism, courage and self-sacrifice elevated them above the enemy, gave them strength and reinforced their faith in Victory,” he said.
The feat of the people in the Great Patriotic War
Putin said the wartime experience of the Soviet Union demonstrated that “devotion to the Motherland is the highest truth capable of uniting millions (…) Our people stood as a wall in the enemy’s path.”
The Russian leader argued that the Soviet people made the decisive contribution to defeating Nazism and liberating Europe, while also restoring sovereignty to countries that had collaborated with Nazi Germany.
“We will always remember the feat of the Soviet people and the fact that it was they who made the decisive contribution to the defeat of Nazism, saved their country, saved the world and put an end to total, merciless evil,” Putin stated.
He also referred to the losses suffered by Soviet troops during World War II, saying they “made colossal sacrifices in the name of the freedom and dignity of the peoples of Europe.”
Putin added that Nazi Germany failed to account for what he described as “the Russian character and the strength of spirit of the Soviet people,” which he said becomes especially visible during periods of crisis.
Technology
Putin said Russian scientists, engineers and industrial workers are continuing the traditions established during wartime through the development and production of new weapons systems.
“Drawing on modern combat experience, they create advanced and unique weapons systems. They are launching their mass production,” he said.
He also argued that technological change does not alter the central role of people in determining the country’s future. “No matter how technology and methods of warfare change, the main thing remains unchanged: people shape the destiny of the country,” Putin stated, referring to soldiers, factory workers, doctors, teachers, volunteers and entrepreneurs among those contributing to Russia.
Special military operation
Putin linked the Soviet wartime legacy to Russia’s current military campaign in Ukraine, describing participants in the operation as successors to the generation that fought during World War II.
According to Putin, Russian forces are confronting “an aggressive force that is armed and supported by the entire NATO bloc.”
“And despite this, our heroes continue moving forward,” he said.
The Russian president also said victory is being built both on the battlefield and within the country through collective effort. “We have a common goal. Everyone is making a personal contribution to victory. It is forged both on the battlefield and on the home front,” Putin stated.
Putin concluded by saying that the generation that fought in the Great Patriotic War continues to inspire Russian servicemen participating in the current military operation.
Author: MK
Source: TASS / RussianMFA / Agencies
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