STRIKE THE TRUTH

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 ...

On the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in the European theatre, I think it’s important to pause and reflect—not just on the sacrifices made by those who lived through it and died for our freedom, but also on the lessons we can still draw from that dark chapter in history. This post was partly inspired by how often I hear people compare today’s world to 1939, just before the outbreak of the war. And while we’re not living through the same exact circumstances, there are worrying echoes that are hard to ignore. Number 1: THE DANGERS OF TOTALITARIANISM AND UNCHECKED POWERS World War II showed us just how dangerous unchecked authoritarianism can be. Leaders like Hitler and Mussolini rose to power by playing on fear, exploiting national pain, and slowly eroding democratic systems from the inside. They controlled the media, silenced opposition, and used violence to push their ideologies. The result? A world plunged into conflict, and horrors we vowed never to repeat. Now, I’m not ...

I wanted to take this week to highlight a lesser-known but remarkable Polish heroine: Elżbieta Zawacka—better known by her codename, Agent Zo. A soldier, resistance fighter, and later an academic, Zawacka’s life unfolded during some of the most turbulent chapters in Polish history—marked by war, occupation, political repression, and ultimately, the reemergence of a free Poland. As the only woman among the elite "Silent Unseen" paratroopers during World War II, Agent Zo shattered the expectations of her era. She devoted her life to the cause of her country’s independence, demonstrating extraordinary courage and resilience. This blog post delves into the incredible journey of Elżbieta Zawacka—not only as a fearless fighter in the deadliest conflict of our time, but also as a trailblazer navigating a world dominated by patriarchy. Elżbieta Zawacka defined gender norms during WWII (Credit: General Elżbieta Zawacka Foundation)   EARLY LIFE Elżbieta Zawacka was born on March 19, 19...

Amidst the shadows of World War II, a formidable figure emerged, wrapped in a veil of mystery and bearing the ominous alias, "The White Mouse." Born in New Zealand in 1912, Nancy Wake's existence unfolded as a riveting narrative of bravery and allure. Originally a journalist, she seamlessly transitioned into the epicenter of the French resistance, deftly eluding the clutches of the Gestapo. Pursued relentlessly by the enemy, she later reemerged as a Special Operations Executive agent, gracefully parachuting back into the perilous landscapes of occupied France. Adorned with medals in recognition of her valor, Wake's enigmatic odyssey through espionage and resistance creates a spellbinding tableau of a woman who evolved into a living legend, imprinting an indelible mark on the clandestine chronicles of history. In this blog post, we delve into her extraordinary life and the profound impact she wielded on the events of World War II. EARLY LIFE Nancy Grace Augusta Wake wa...