The war in Ukraine is the West’s fault.
That was Vladimir Putin’s message today as Russia celebrated the annual Victory Day.
– He wants the Russians to hear that it is the West that is blocking the conflict, says journalist Maria Georgieva, who has previously covered several victory days.
Everything is the West’s fault. Putin thinks. But his support from the citizens during Victory Day does not seem to be nearly as strong as it has been in the past.
– There do not seem to have been as many people in the streets and squares who have followed this spectacle, which is so important to Putin. You have not seen the same turnout at all.
The rhetoric during the speech followed the same pattern as previously heard from the Russian president. That is, winks to Russia’s heyday.
– The past is important for Putin to latch on to. There are many patriotic Russians who see it as an important marker for Russian history. It means that he can bring a part of the population with him, but it does not mean that it is correct.
“Too much show”
But how the population receives the rhetoric is divided, according to Russian war veterans whom Maria Georgieva has spoken to.
– They have said that Putin uses the parade too much as a show. They do not talk about the memory of the over 20 million Russians who died, but use it to justify political purposes today. For example, press to West.
And the more stripped-down celebration also seems to have caught on with the population.
– I spoke to people from Moscow this morning. It was not at all the same thing as it usually is. But you are probably also more clear that you are a patriot on such a day.
Victory Day is celebrated in Russia to commemorate the victory against Nazi Germany during the Second World War. The day is a national holiday and is seen as one of the country’s most important days.