The Daily How Putin Co-opted Russia’s Biggest Holiday
12 snips
May 10, 2022 Anton Troianovski, Moscow bureau chief for The New York Times, discusses how Vladimir Putin has redefined Victory Day to bolster national pride and legitimize the war in Ukraine. The holiday, once a somber remembrance, has shifted to a grand display of military power. Troianovski sheds light on Putin's narrative that frames Ukraine as a fascist threat, manipulating historical fears to galvanize support. The conversation also explores the implications of altering historical narratives and the growing tensions with NATO amid this provocative rhetoric.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Russia's Victory Day
- May 9th is Russia's most important secular holiday, commemorating the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany.
- This day features a large military parade in Red Square and a speech by Putin, serving as a barometer of Russia's geopolitical stance.
Putin's Co-opting of Victory Day
- Putin has co-opted this day of remembrance for political purposes.
- He transformed it into a militaristic holiday with a lavish parade to bolster patriotism and project his power.
Victory Day and Western Outreach
- In 2005, Putin hosted over 50 world leaders, including President Bush, for the 60th anniversary of WWII's end.
- Initially, he leveraged Victory Day for outreach to the West.