The Kremlin uses myths about World War II to justify the war against Ukraine – ISW

On the eve of Victory Day on May 9, the Russian authorities intensified “historical” propaganda, trying to present a war against Ukraine as a continuation of the “heroic path” of the USSR in the Second World War.

Source: Isw

Details: Analysts of the Institute of War Study point out that the Kremlin continues to use Soviet myths about victory in World War II to create informational conditions for justifying a protracted war in Ukraine and future aggression against NATO in the eyes of Russian society.

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On May 8, Minister of Defense Andriy Bilousov published an article on May 8, claiming that Russia’s war against Ukraine “will be in history” as a feat, similar to the victory of the Red Army over Nazi Germany.

Bilousov also stated that the war of Russia in Ukraine is a continuation of the “glorious traditions” of Soviet courage and heroism, as well as the enthusiasm of the Soviet people on the mobilization and support of hostilities. He also stated that the victory of Russia in Ukraine is “inevitable”.

The analogies with the Soviet past are actively supported by the State Media of the Russian Federation, which testifies to a purposeful campaign for the formation of a new state ideology, the ISW analysts say.

Literally: “Kremlin officials have recently been actively using the mythology of World War II to form a new pseudo -state ideology, which should cover several generations and which the Kremlin plans to use to justify the potential future aggression against the event.”

Details: Bilousov repeated the narrative that Russia allegedly had no choice, except to start a full -scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, since the situation was “a question of life and death.”

In addition, the head of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev threatened European countries, saying that they should “remember” about the “defeat of Nazi Germany” when supporting Ukraine.

ISW analysts emphasize that such an information campaign is part of a “reflexive control” strategy designed to reduce Ukraine’s support from European countries.

Key conclusions ISW for May 8:

• The Kremlin continues to use the Russian myth of the Second World War on the eve of the Russian holiday on May 9 – Victory Day to create informational conditions for justifying a protracted war in Ukraine and future aggression against NATO in the eyes of Russian society.
• Belousov directly called the large -scale reforms of the Russian army with preparation for the future conflict with NATO, while the chairman of the Security Council of Russia Dmitry Medvedev threatened European countries that support Ukraine.
• Russia has declared a unilateral cease ceasefire until the Victory Day on May 8 and accused Ukraine of its violation, although Ukraine has officially and publicly disagreed with this regime. The unilateral ceasefire by Russia and the accusation of violations once again emphasize the need to ensure that any ceasefire or peace agreement be pre-agreed by all parties and envisaged effective monitoring mechanisms.
• Ukrainian officials continue to emphasize Ukraine’s readiness to implement the 30-day ceasefire as preparation for peace talks.
• The Kremlin tries to use its unilateral cease ceasefire until the Victory Day to accuse Ukraine of the lack of progress of achieving a long -term truce and peace talks, despite Russia’s constant refusal of such arrangements.
• On May 8, Russian President Vladimir Putin and China Si Jinping have held a series of bilateral meetings in Moscow, demonstrating the deepening of Russian-Chinese cooperation and reconciling positions.
• The joint statement of Russia and China from May 8 referred to Putin’s initial goals during a full -scale invasion of Ukraine, trying to provide international support and legitimacy with the goals and justification of Russia for this war.
• The statement also supported Putin’s Eurasian security system and efforts of Russia to create an alternative, anti -Western block under its dominance.
• The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (UN HRMMU) reported a significant increase in the number of victims among the civilian population of Ukraine in 2024–2025.
• On May 8, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine ratified a bilateral economic agreement with the United States.
• Ukrainian troops advanced on the territory of Kursk region and near Toretsk. Russian troops advanced in the Kursk and Sumy regions, as well as near Kupyansk, Borova, Toretsk, Kurakhov and Greater Novosilka.