In Russia, Victory Day is one of the most popular and important holidays, typically celebrated with military parades, festivals and fireworks across the country to celebrate Russia’s triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II.
This year’s Victory Day comes amid a devastating war Russia is waging with its neighbor Ukraine.
Some fear Russia may be rushing for a notable victory to capitalize on the holiday, especially with Russian President Vladimir Putin preparing for a fresh offensive in Ukraine’s eastern region.
Experts have warned that Putin could be scrambling for victory in the east ahead of the May 9 holiday to distract attention from the heavy losses of Russian troops and equipment in Ukraine.
What is Victory Day?
Nazi Germany invaded the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941 in one of the largest modern military operations in the world. Adolf Hitler sent more than 3 million soldiers into the nation as part of Operation Barbarossa.
Although Operation Barbarossa ultimately failed, Nazi Germany launched repeated failed offensives against the Soviet Union. The Nazi regime’s greatest casualties were in Eastern Europe, but the Soviet Union lost more than 24 million people in World War II and suffered the most casualties of any country involved in the war.
The Soviet Union and Allied forces eventually encircled Berlin, ending the war.
Victory Day in Europe (VE Day) was proclaimed on May 8, 1945, but Russia celebrates it the day after, on May 9.
The end of the Great Patriotic War in Russia remains one of the largest celebrations of WWII in the world, complete with parades, concerts, events, fireworks, festivals and speeches.
What could happen in Ukraine?
World War II had a profound impact on Russia, fueling patriotic fervor and anti-Nazi public sentiment.
Putin capitalized on Russian patriotism and anti-Nazism when he invaded Ukraine on February 24, claiming he would “denazify” the country despite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Jewish heritage.
Russia has withdrawn from northern Ukraine’s Kyiv region this month and has reportedly regrouped in the east for a new offensive aimed at achieving a more limited objective: conquering the Donbass region in Ukraine’s industrial heartland.
Dmytro Gurin, a Ukrainian MP, told The Hill he believes Russia will try to “destroy” Ukraine through large-scale destruction of cities and people, citing the devastation in the port city of Mariupol.
Gurin said Russia could take bigger action around Victory Day.
“They have to show something for their people,” he said.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine warned in a Facebook post on March 24 that Russia wants to end the war by May 9.
“Constant propaganda work is being carried out among the personnel of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, pushing the idea that the war must end by May 9, 2022,” the post said, citing sources within the Russian army.
However, whether Russia actually achieves a notable victory may not matter to Putin, author and scholar Faith Hillis told the Washington Post.
“I think for Putin, even if there is defeat, there will be no defeat,” Hillis told the Post. “In his mindset there is no room for defeat. It will be spun as a win no matter what.”
What Russia said on Victory Day this year
As acting president and former KGB officer, Putin usually delivers a speech on Victory Day. A big celebration and a military parade are usually held on Red Square in Moscow.
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According to the Defense Blog, Moscow is preparing for the 77th anniversary with 12,500 people, 190 vehicles and 76 aircraft.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier this month Russia will celebrate the holiday as usual.
“We’re going to celebrate it like we always do. This is the holiest holiday in our country. It was and remains the holiest holiday for all Russians,” Peskov said on April 6, according to the Defense blog.