Putin seeks to use May 9 to mobilize Russians for war
Photo: Russian President Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)
Russia is turning Victory Day into a tool of propaganda and mobilization. Several European countries have urged not to allow the Kremlin to use the memory of World War II to justify new aggression, The New York Times reports.
The foreign ministers of Ukraine, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, Czechia, and Moldova issued a joint statement regarding the actions of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"As Russia continues its war against Ukraine and intensifies its hostile actions toward democratic European countries, the need to promote shared European remembrance narratives across the continent and beyond is more pressing than ever," the ministers explained.
According to them, a truthful assessment and deep understanding of history form the foundation of a society’s democratic resilience.
"We all stand ready to counter Russian disinformation activities and Russia’s attempts to rewrite European history. Russia has no right to monopolize the victory over Nazism, which was accomplished by multiple nations and peoples," the statement reads.
The ministers wrote that, instead of properly honoring the memory of the victims of World War II, Putin's regime has created a grotesque cult of victory, using the collective victory over the Nazis to justify its current aggression and atrocities against Ukrainians.
"The upcoming May 9 parade, in which Russia annually marks the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany, is designed as the glorification of this cult. Mr. Putin will use it to rally more Russians to the front lines, solidify his regime and create an impression that his international isolation is fading," the joint statement says.
At the same time, the ministers emphasized that they must prevent Putin from achieving his goals.
Victory Day parade in Moscow on May 9
A large-scale parade is planned in Moscow on May 9 to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited a number of foreign leaders to the event.
Several Members of the European Parliament will travel to Moscow despite the European Union’s ban. They have stated that their visit has no political implications.
Earlier, the European Union instructed candidate countries not to participate in the Moscow celebrations dedicated to May 9.
Moreover, Ukraine has asked EU officials to come to Kyiv on May 9. The visit of European leaders would serve as a demonstration of diplomatic strength against Putin’s annual Victory Day military parade in Moscow.
