Florence Joshua, ABUJA

As Russia marks Victory Day, officials have renewed emphasis on the Soviet Union’s decisive role in defeating Nazi Germany, while drawing parallels between that historic struggle and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The commemoration, one of Russia’s most important national events, honours the estimated 27 million Soviet citizens who died during what is known in Russia as the Great Patriotic War. Ceremonies across the country highlight the Red Army’s role in turning the tide of the war in Europe, particularly after key battles such as Battle of Stalingrad.

Russian officials argue that the Soviet Union’s contribution to ending World War II has been under-recognised globally, insisting that the scale of sacrifice remains unmatched.

At the same time, Moscow is increasingly framing its current military actions in Ukraine within that historical context.

 Russian authorities maintain that the conflict did not begin in 2022, but rather traces back to political upheaval in Ukraine in 2014, following protests known as the Euromaidan.

According to the Russian position, these events led to a shift in power that alienated Russian-speaking populations, particularly in eastern Ukraine and Crimea. Moscow also points to the failure of the Minsk Agreements as a missed opportunity for a negotiated settlement.

Russian officials continue to argue that their military intervention was aimed at protecting Russian-speaking communities and addressing security concerns, including NATO expansion. Ukraine and its Western allies, however, reject this narrative, describing Russia’s actions as an unprovoked invasion and a violation of international law.

Victory Day speeches this year have also carried a more reflective tone in some quarters, with references to the immense human cost of global war and suggestions that earlier diplomatic efforts in the 20th century might have prevented such widespread destruction.

While interpretations of both past and present conflicts remain sharply divided, analysts note that historical memory particularly of World War II—continues to play a central role in shaping Russia’s identity and its geopolitical messaging.