Vladimir Putin’s somewhat idiosyncratic attitude to the truth is not only evident in the way he has changed the media in Russia. Death figures for Russian casualties are withheld or corrected, political opponents are eliminated and not a single word critical of Putin is uttered on state television.
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The Kremlin chief has even intervened in the past. He is using Russia’s history to legitimize his power and justify the war against Ukraine. He does not stop glorifying the great murderer of millions.
Stalin as a new role model
As part of Soviet rule and the “purges,” Josef Stalin caused approximately 20 million deaths. A crime against the Russian people they knew about – until now. A new history book for schools was published at the beginning of the 2023 school year. The content: it legitimizes the attack on Ukraine, the Soviet Union is presented as a success story and Stalin’s atrocities are ignored.
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But what use is history for Vladimir Putin? Martin Wagner, a historian of Eastern Europe at the Free University of Berlin, explains the importance of Stalin to Putin.
The historian assesses the situation in Russia under Putin as follows: “In Russia, a reassessment of history is underway, which is intended to legitimize the restoration of the empire through military means. This is not only reflected in Putin’s false idea that Ukraine has no history of its own.
For Putin, Lenin is weak and a traitor
By dealing with the dictators of Russian history, one can see a re-evaluation of supposed role models. “The rulers of Moscow – even after the fall of the Soviet Union – considered Vladimir Lenin, the founder of the communist Soviet Union, to be a symbolic figure of greatness and innovation. But for Putin he is seen as weak and a traitor.”
The fact that Lenin was happy with Russia’s victory in the First World War and that he granted at least some autonomy to the Ukrainians in the Soviet state does not fit Putin’s image. The Kremlin has also reversed its assessment of Josef Stalin, Wagner explains.
“For a long time he was considered a ruthless dictator who murdered at will. Today the elite of the Russian state honor him as a man of action. He is credited with the victory in the Second World War, the military expansion of the Soviet Union and the bloody subjugation of Ukraine. The Kremlin leadership wants Russians to be proud of this again.”
According to the historian, Stalin was a mirror for Putin. “The past is a projection surface on which Russia wants to see itself as something it is not – strong, powerful, invisible.” This also applies to Putin. “Like Stalin, he wants to decide the fate of Russia alone.”
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However, there is a difference between the nature of his glorification. “Because the media has changed: 100 years ago, people only saw Stalin on posters, in retouched photographs or in romanticized pictures.” On the other hand, Putin is ubiquitous today - on television, in newspapers, on the Internet, according to the historian.
Putin cult more powerful than Stalin
“Because every channel is tailored to him, his “cult” is much more powerful, even without people carrying his image through the center of the city as portraits of Stalin once did.”
But that’s not all: in 2021, the Memorial organization, which contributed to the investigation of Stalin’s crimes, was banned in Russia. Wagner explains: “The revaluation of history made Russia’s war against Ukraine possible.”
“It’s no coincidence: just weeks before Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the Kremlin banned Russia’s oldest civil society organization - one of the last voices of an ‘other Russia’ heard outside big cities and across national borders.
This changed approach to the horrors of history shows its supporters in wartime Russian society: “In some places, memorial plaques to the victims of Stalinism, ‘Russian stumbling blocks’ so to speak, were dismantled overnight after the beginning of the war. “
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Martin Wagner is a historian and researches the history of Russia and China. He also deals with this in his co-authored book “China and Russia,” which will be published in February. A short story about a long relationship”.
Interview: Inside the Mind of Vladimir Putin – A Conversation with Martin Wagner
Editor: Good day, everyone! Welcome to Time.news. Today, we have with us Martin Wagner, a distinguished historian specializing in Eastern Europe at the Free University of Berlin. Martin, thank you for joining us.
Martin Wagner: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s jump right in. One striking point from your recent analyses is that Vladimir Putin’s relationship with history seems driven by a need to legitimize his rule. How do you see this connection manifesting, particularly regarding his portrayal of figures like Stalin?
Martin Wagner: That’s an excellent question. Putin is essentially reframing historical narratives to support his current agenda. Stalin, once seen as a brutal dictator, is now portrayed by the Kremlin elite as a “man of action” who achieved greatness for Russia. This shift creates a powerful image – one that Putin can leverage to foster nationalism and justify military actions, like the invasion of Ukraine.
Editor: Fascinating. You’ve called this a “reassessment of history.” Can you elaborate on what this entails for Russian society and how it impacts views on Ukraine?
Martin Wagner: Absolutely. This reassessment is not just a historical revision but an ideological tool. It’s intended to restore a sense of imperial pride among Russians. The Kremlin propagates a narrative that dismisses Ukraine’s sovereignty by downplaying any historical identity separate from Russia. Instead, they are promoting a glorified version of the Soviet past, suggesting that Ukraine is merely a part of Russia’s larger narrative.
Editor: And how does Lenin fit into this narrative? You mentioned that he is now viewed unfavorably by Putin.
Martin Wagner: Yes, this is a significant shift. Lenin, traditionally reverenced as the father of the Soviet state, is now seen by Putin as weak and even a traitor. Lenin’s willingness to grant autonomy to Ukraine and his attitude toward World War I do not align with Putin’s vision of a strong, unyielding Russia. This helps Putin position himself as a decisive leader, unlike Lenin, thereby enhancing his own authority.
Editor: Speaking of authority, you noted that Stalin serves as a kind of mirror for Putin. Can you explain that dynamic?
Martin Wagner: Certainly. Both leaders exhibit a desire to control the narrative around their rule and perpetuate a certain image of strength. Stalin represents an idealized past that Putin wishes to emulate — a time when Russia was powerful and feared. However, Putin operates in a different media landscape; unlike Stalin’s era, where visuals were heavily curated, today’s information environment gives people constant access to reality, creating a complex challenge for Putin.
Editor: That’s an important distinction. With modern technology exposing more truths, how does Putin maintain this glorified image of Stalin and suppress dissent?
Martin Wagner: The media landscape today indeed challenges the Kremlin’s narrative. Putin controls state media rigorously, banning or discrediting any critical perspectives. By crafting a singular, heroic image of historical figures like Stalin and promoting a false narrative of strength, he manipulates public perception. Criticism is quashed, making it difficult for alternative viewpoints to flourish, thus maintaining an environment of compliance.
Editor: It sounds like a troubling landscape, both for Russian citizens and for those observing from outside. How do you view the implications of this historical manipulation for future generations in Russia?
Martin Wagner: If this trend continues, future generations might grow up with a distorted understanding of their own history — one that glorifies authoritarianism and war while ignoring the lessons of past atrocities. This can perpetuate cycles of violence and misunderstanding both domestically and in international relations.
Editor: Thank you, Martin. Your insights into the historical contexts shaping current events in Russia are invaluable. It’s crucial for our audience to understand these dynamics. Any final thoughts?
Martin Wagner: Yes, I urge everyone to remain vigilant and critical of historical narratives presented by those in power. Awareness and education are key to preventing the manipulation of history from obscuring the truth.
Editor: Well said. Thank you once again, Martin, for sharing your expertise with us today.
Martin Wagner: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay informed, and until next time, take care.