RUSSIA: Victory Day and Russian National Identity

May 9 marks Russia’s Victory Day, commemorating the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. It is one of the country’s most significant and emotional holidays, honouring Red Army sacrifices while also showcasing state power through parades and patriotic displays.

For decades, the day has been used to emphasize unity and continuity, a narrative strengthened under Vladimir Putin by linking WWII’s legacy to present struggles.

In 2026, however, the tone has shifted. The war in Ukraine, security concerns, and international isolation have reshaped the celebrations, blending remembrance of past victory with the pressures of an uncertain present.

THE HISTORICAL ROOTS OF VICTORY DAY

Victory Day stems from May 9th, 1945, when Nazi Germany formally surrendered to Soviet Forces. For the Soviet Union, this war was existential, and it had a big impact on the Soviet society. Entire cities were destroyed, millions of people died on the battlefield and in war camps, and the victory came at an enormous human cost. 

In the aftermath of WWII, Victory Day was observed. However, it had less of the pomp and grandeur that it has today. It was much later that the event grew into a large national celebration, around the Brezhnev era. Military parades and public ceremonies grew more elaborate, emphasizing both remembrance and state power. 

After the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Victory Day gained a new importance. Russia was grappling with economic turmoil and identity loss. So the memory of WWII remained one of the few unifying narratives that Russians could be proud of. This provide a constant strength in a time of profound change. 

However, since Putin came to power, he has turned Victory Day into an even more grand event. It has changed from being a historical commemoration to a cornerstone of the Russian identity and the idea of Russkiy mir. Putin uses this day to reinforce patriotism and legitimise current policies, and draw parallels between past and current conflicts. By highlighting the struggles the Soviet Union experienced in WWII, he can justify the current war in Ukraine and the huge amount of losses, for example. 

The symbolism within celebration of Victory day is deliberate and important. It highlights to Russians how Russia is once more facing external threats and fulfilling a historical mission. This narrative resonates deeply with many Russians, given the enduring cultural memory of the war. 

VICTORY DAY 2026 WITHOUT MILITARY HARDWARE

Victory Day parades are typically grand and highly choreographed displays of military strength. Columns of soldiers march in precise unison, armored vehicles and tanks roll through the streets, and aircraft fly overhead in carefully timed formations. Beyond the parade itself, millions of people take part in events across the country. One of the most prominent is the “Immortal Regiment,” in which citizens march carrying portraits of relatives who fought in the war. The atmosphere blends solemn remembrance with a strong sense of national pride.

In 2026, however, the tone is markedly different. Key elements such as heavy military equipment are absent, and public participation has been scaled back. In many cities, concerns about potential Ukrainian drone strikes have cast a shadow over the celebrations. The visible deployment of additional air defense systems in Moscow underscores these fears, while broader security measures have been tightened. Recent months have shown that Ukrainian drones are capable of reaching targets deep inside Russian territory, introducing a new sense of vulnerability.

This shift is striking because Victory Day has always been about visibility, and demonstrating military capability to both domestic and international audiences. The absence of its most iconic elements alters that message. Instead of projecting overwhelming strength, the event appears more cautious and restrained.

These changes are not merely symbolic; they reflect the realities of an ongoing conflict that has extended beyond traditional frontlines. The risk of disruption, particularly during a high-profile event in Moscow, is difficult to ignore. Scaling down the parade may therefore be a calculated effort to reduce potential threats while maintaining the core act of commemoration.

IS THIS THE DAY PUTIN WILL DIE? OR JUST RUMOURS?

Another reason for the heightened security, especially in Moscow, is that Vladimir Putin is expected to attend and deliver a major speech. While speculation about threats to his life is constant, recent developments have amplified those concerns. There are widespread claims that he has become increasingly cautious, limiting his public appearances and relying more on secure locations. Some reports even suggest he avoids certain official residences due to safety fears, though much of this remains difficult to verify.

More recently, attention has also turned to Sergei Shoigu, amid rumors of internal tensions and even alleged coup or assassination plots. These claims are highly speculative and should be treated with caution. While it is plausible that members of Russia’s elite feel strain from the ongoing war and its economic consequences, there is little concrete evidence of coordinated moves against Putin. In fact, many within the political and security establishment likely recognize that their own positions, and safety, are closely tied to the current system.

If Putin were suddenly removed from power without a clear successor, the risk of instability would be significant. Russia’s political system is highly centralized, and transitions of power are not well institutionalized. While, in theory, such a moment could open the door to democratic reform, in practice the situation would likely be far more uncertain.

Public attitudes also play a role. Many Russians prioritize stability and continuity over political change, shaped in part by historical experience and the current political climate. Open criticism of the government carries risks, which discourages active political engagement for many people. As a result, a sudden power vacuum could create confusion and competition among elites rather than a straightforward shift toward a more open political system.

CONCLUSION

Victory Day 2026 offers a clear snapshot of modern Russia. The holiday remains rooted in the memory of World War II, whose sacrifices still shape national identity and how the present is understood.

Yet the way it is celebrated has changed. A scaled-down parade, tighter security, and reduced public participation point to a more cautious environment shaped by an ongoing war and new vulnerabilities.

The contrast is striking: World War II is remembered as a decisive victory, while the war in Ukraine remains unresolved and uncertain.

In this context, Victory Day becomes more than a commemoration. It links past and present, reinforcing national narratives and framing current events within a familiar story of struggle and endurance—where history, politics, and present realities intersect.