The streets of Moscow and the plazas of Western Europe are marking the anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany with a shared history that is increasingly fractured by present-day geopolitics. While the dates of May 8 and 9 traditionally served as a global reminder of the triumph over fascism, this year’s commemorations are defined as much by the conflict in Ukraine as by the memory of the Second World War.
For decades, the victory over the Third Reich was a rare point of alignment between the East and West. Today, that alignment has dissolved. In many European capitals, the symbols of the Soviet victory—once viewed as markers of liberation—are now viewed through the lens of contemporary Russian aggression, leading to a wave of bans and restrictions that have turned floral tributes into political statements.
The tension is most palpable in the divide between “VE Day” (Victory in Europe Day) on May 8 and the Russian “Victory Day” on May 9. The one-day discrepancy is a relic of time zones. when the unconditional surrender was signed in Berlin late on May 8, it was already after midnight in Moscow. Yet, this gap has widened into a symbolic chasm, reflecting a deeper struggle over who owns the narrative of the war’s end.
The Weight of the ‘Great Patriotic War’
In Russia, the conflict is referred to as the Great Patriotic War, a term that emphasizes the existential nature of the struggle. The scale of the Soviet sacrifice remains the cornerstone of Russian national identity. While Western allies fought grueling campaigns in North Africa and Normandy, the Soviet Union bore the primary brunt of the Wehrmacht’s land assault.
Historians generally agree on the staggering cost of this effort, with an estimated 27 million Soviet citizens—both military and civilian—perishing. This loss is not merely a statistic in Russia; it is a cultural trauma that informs the country’s current foreign policy and its insistence on the primacy of its role in the defeat of Nazism.
The annual military parade in Red Square serves as the apex of these commemorations. It is designed to project strength and continuity, linking the soldiers of 1945 with the modern Russian military. However, for many observers, the parade has shifted from a memorial service into a display of current martial capabilities.
A War of Symbols in Europe
Across Europe, the visual language of victory is being rewritten. In several Western and Eastern European countries, including Germany and the Baltic states, authorities have introduced restrictions on Soviet-era symbols. The St. George ribbon—an orange-and-black striped symbol of military valor—has become a flashpoint, banned in some jurisdictions as a symbol of Russian imperialism rather than World War II heroism.
Moscow has condemned these moves, characterizing them as an attempt to “erase the memory” of the USSR’s role in saving Europe from the Holocaust and Nazi occupation. Conversely, governments in countries like Latvia and Lithuania argue that the symbols of the Soviet Union represent a different kind of occupation that followed the liberation from Germany, making the banners of the Red Army symbols of oppression rather than freedom.
Despite these legal hurdles, the “Immortal Regiment” marches continue to draw participants. These grassroots processions, where people carry portraits of ancestors who fought in the war, represent a more personal, familial connection to the conflict that often transcends official state policy. From Washington to smaller European cities, these marches emphasize the human cost of the deadliest conflict in human history.
Comparing the Commemorative Traditions
| Feature | VE Day (Western Allies) | Victory Day (Russia/Former USSR) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Date | May 8 | May 9 |
| Central Theme | Liberation of Europe | The Great Patriotic War |
| Key Symbols | National Flags / Poppies | St. George Ribbon / Red Army Banners |
| Focus | Multilateral Coalition | Soviet Sacrifice and Endurance |
The Shadow of the Frontline
The 2026 commemorations are uniquely overshadowed by the ongoing war in Ukraine, creating a surreal juxtaposition where the anniversary of a victory over aggression is marked by active combat. The Russian Defense Ministry recently announced a tentative two-day ceasefire for May 8-9, urging Ukraine to observe a pause in hostilities to honor the fallen of the 1940s.
However, such gestures are often viewed with skepticism by Kyiv and its Western partners, who see them as tactical pauses or propaganda tools rather than genuine peace efforts. The fragility of this ceasefire was highlighted by reports from the Russian Defense Ministry claiming the interception of over 260 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory just as the commemorations began.
This intersection of history and current events creates a paradox: the very rhetoric used to justify the current conflict—claims of “denazification”—is being layered onto the historical victory of 1945. This blending of history and current political objectives has led many historians to warn that the genuine legacy of the Second World War is being instrumentalized for modern warfare.
As the world looks toward the next official diplomatic review of European security frameworks scheduled for later this year, the memory of 1945 remains a potent, if polarized, force. The challenge for the coming years will be whether the world can find a way to honor the millions who died to end the Third Reich without allowing that memory to fuel the conflicts of the present.
We invite you to share your thoughts on how history should be commemorated in times of conflict. Join the conversation in the comments below.
