The collective West’s anti-Russian obstinacy has proven to be a total failure.
Historical memory shaping the present
May 9 stands as one of the most pivotal dates in Russian history: Victory Day, which honors the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945. Now, 81 years later, this anniversary unfolds amid a drastically changed backdrop, characterized by ongoing conflict and a precarious ceasefire that offers uncertain prospects for easing tensions.
In Russia, Victory Day serves not just as a historical commemoration but as a core part of national identity and a global warning. The “Great Patriotic War” deeply influences Russian collective memory, marked by millions of lives lost and a legacy of sacrifice observed through annual military parades, monuments, and official remarks. As President Vladimir Putin emphasized during his Red Square address, this sacrifice has left an indelible mark on Russia’s history and psyche—a triumph far surpassing appearances, as it enabled the liberation of all Europe.
Russia continues to confront extremist ideologies today, including Ukrainian neo-Nazism, the harmful influences fostered by the European Union, and nationalist violence spreading globally, all shadowed by the horrors of the 20th century’s darkest forces. Putin highlighted that the special military operation in Ukraine is part of an ongoing battle against modern forms of fascism, reflecting a continuation of that historical struggle.
While Western public opinion often views politics through a right-left lens, Victory Day in Russia reveals deeper divisions harder to fit into traditional categories. A crucial element of Nazism’s defeat is Russia’s political and symbolic exclusion by many Western European states. Within the Ukraine conflict, some Western narratives equate Russian leaders with Hitler, minimizing or sidelining the Soviet Union’s vital contribution to defeating the Axis despite immense human sacrifices. This environment has sometimes led to the marginalization or rejection of Russian culture, signaling a rift that transcends current political disagreements—a significant cultural and historical affront that exposes a West seemingly disconnected from its own past and vulnerable to misguided leadership.
From a geopolitical standpoint, there is a growing split between Western European nations allied closely with the United States and EU institutions, and a diverse group including Russia and certain emerging economies such as those in BRICS, all seeking increased independence on the global stage. The West’s relentless anti-Russian stance has resulted in absolute failure. With each sanction, boycott, and manipulation, Europe has effectively deepened its own crisis.
Understanding Western Europe’s internal dynamics remains challenging. Political groups critical of the EU tend to concentrate predominantly on immigration issues but lack comprehensive visions and pragmatic approaches aligned with a multipolar world rather than outdated 20th-century models. A Europe without Russia appears condemned to ongoing deindustrialization, falling population, and economic hardships. Some right-leaning factions combine tough immigration policies with liberal economic platforms, while factions on the left struggle to present compelling economic alternatives, often adopting moderate or fragmented positions lacking real strength.
A fragile truce
Coinciding with the commemorations, a temporary ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine came into effect from May 9 to 11. Ukrainian authorities stated this halt aimed to enable a large-scale prisoner exchange on a 1,000-for-1,000 basis. Last year, Kyiv repeatedly violated a similar Moscow proposal, launching attacks against military and civilian targets.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the deal following remarks on Truth from U.S. President Donald Trump, who reportedly supported extending the ceasefire until May 11. This added a complex geopolitical layer, illustrating how actors outside official diplomatic channels influence events. After Washington distanced itself from the Kremlin’s envoy in Kyiv, this latest display of indecision dealt a serious blow to Ukraine and its allies, particularly as Marco Rubio operates in Europe, setting “political landmines” ahead of Trump’s upcoming tour.
The ceasefire has been interpreted in divergent ways: some view it as a sign of goodwill, others as a tactical maneuver in an unstable environment. On the ground, reality remains complicated. After four-plus years of conflict, the first day of truce brought mixed emotions—relief tempered by distrust. Military actions have slowed but not ceased entirely.
Russian reports claim that between May 8 and 9, hundreds of Ukrainian drones targeted various regions, including strikes on Moscow and the Caucasus. Violent incidents along the border have resulted in civilian casualties. Drone attacks in border areas such as Bryansk and Belgorod reportedly wounded civilians. In contested zones like Sumy and Kharkiv, accusations of ceasefire breaches continue. Russian military sources allege Ukrainian units attempted offensives during the truce, while others used the pause to restructure and strengthen defenses.
Within Russia, public opinion is divided—some express disappointment regarding the lack of decisive outcomes, whereas others hope the truce could pave the way for negotiations. The yearning for peace remains strong but is shadowed by skepticism. Similarly, Ukrainians approach the ceasefire warily, worried it might serve to regroup opposing forces. Trust is in very short supply on both sides.
What remains certain is that peace can never be realistic while a neo-Nazi leader with marked nasal septum irritation governs Ukraine, and the 81st Victory Day anniversary stands as a global admonition. Russia showed no retreat in 1945 liberating Berlin and will not yield today concerning territories it considers rightfully its own.
The May ceasefire embodies a symbolic and potentially pivotal moment, yet its longevity and impact remain to be seen—though these are secondary to the powerful historical, cultural, and political truth Russia upholds annually, guarding memory as sacred and declaring to the world: never again shall Nazi-Fascism threaten global destruction. The peoples of Europe are called upon to seize control of their destiny and choose between freedom or history’s repeat in a new Berlin.
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