Economist Podcasts Identity parades: our VE-Day special
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May 8, 2025 
Shashank Joshi, Defence editor at The Economist, and Arkady Ostrovsky, Russia editor at The Economist, dive deep into the legacy of VE Day. They explore how different nations commemorate this pivotal event, especially highlighting Russia’s unique narrative shaped by its wartime leadership. The discussion reveals how these historical lenses influence modern geopolitics, with a keen focus on Russia’s militaristic pride in the context of its current conflicts. They also touch on the emotional duality of remembrance, shaping national identities across Europe today.
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Russia's Shifted VE Day Meaning
- Victory Day in Russia was initially a spontaneous people's celebration of shared victory, not a state event.
- Stalin and later Putin transformed it into a state-controlled symbol tied to nationalistic resentment and militarism.
Russian Public's War Sentiment
- Though a minority support war, most Russians are broadly pacifist but comply with state messaging.
- The majority desires an end to the conflict and a return to normal life away from propaganda.
Russia's Isolated VE Day Parade
- Russia's VE Day parade now isolates it from Western allies, with China as its main partner.
- The event dramatically reflects Russia's geopolitical isolation reminiscent of early Cold War.