Putin's victory day plans: Uniting past and present conflicts
Vladimir Putin has commenced preparations for the 80th anniversary celebrations of Victory Day, which will occur on 9 May 2025. The Kremlin aims to demonstrate that Russia is not isolated. Sources close to the presidential administration have disclosed details.
Vladimir Putin convened a meeting of the committee responsible for celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War's victory. He stressed that mere formality is unacceptable and that remembrance involves concrete actions. Parades will be held in Moscow and other cities, and participants in the war in Ukraine will be honoured.
Defence Minister Andrei Belousov announced that participants in the war in Ukraine will participate in the parades. The authorities plan to bestow special honours on them and assign their names to younger military units.
"A new World War II"
The Kremlin equates the war with Ukraine, which it calls a "special military operation," to World War II. A regional official suggests that Putin and his inner circle view the special military operation as akin to a new World War II.
According to the official, the authorities do not consider it necessary to draw explicit parallels between the two wars during anniversary events to encourage Russians to enlist. From the Kremlin's perspective, this approach reflects a sense of historical continuity, where the fight against fascism is passed down through generations.
The Kremlin has yet to release specific instructions regarding the celebrations but recommends traditional events such as the Immortal Regiment and exhibitions. Regional authorities are expected to devise ideas to commemorate the anniversary. The Kremlin plans to invite foreign guests to show that Russia is not isolated. There is consideration of inviting "someone significant" from the United States.
