As the 80th anniversary of Victory Day arrives, overwhelming evidence from Russian-held regions, particularly Bakhmut, reveals a stark dichotomy between grandiose plans in Russia and the muted events within occupied Ukraine, emphasizing the ongoing war's toll on local populations.
Victory Day in Ukraine's War Zone: A Discreet Remembrance
Victory Day in Ukraine's War Zone: A Discreet Remembrance
Marking the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, celebrations in Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine reflect a somber reality amidst devastation.
May 8, 2025, 5:54 a.m. ET
In the once-thriving city of Bakhmut in Eastern Ukraine, Victory Day has transformed into a subdued observance marked by ghostly remnants of a powerful past. As Russian soldiers occupy the ruins, social media posts reveal a disjointed attempt to resurrect the spirit of the Soviet Union, showcasing colorful posters adorned with phrases like “Happy Victory Day” and “Proud of Victory 1941-1945.” However, these displays stand in contrast to Bakhmut’s grim reality—once home to 70,000 residents, the city now lies largely deserted following brutal conflict.
The somber atmosphere in Bakhmut, mirrored across Russian-occupied regions, showcases the war's harsh impact. Concerts and parades planned to commemorate Victory Day appear diminished amidst rubble and destruction, with scant activities happening against the backdrop of war-torn communities. Denis Pushilin, appointed by Moscow, announced a series of over 57,000 memorial events aimed at glorifying the holiday across various locations in the region, showcasing stark differences between aspirations and realities.
In stark opposition, Russia commemorates this date with grand military parades and aspirations of claiming lineage from the Soviet era while exaggerating their military strength. President Vladimir V. Putin's government seems focused on displaying power as Ukrainian towns remain enveloped in uncertainty and ghostly silence, a testament to the lasting impact of conflict. The contrast between these celebrations leads to profound reflections on national identity, memory, and the transformations wrought by war in both actual and imagined futures.
In the once-thriving city of Bakhmut in Eastern Ukraine, Victory Day has transformed into a subdued observance marked by ghostly remnants of a powerful past. As Russian soldiers occupy the ruins, social media posts reveal a disjointed attempt to resurrect the spirit of the Soviet Union, showcasing colorful posters adorned with phrases like “Happy Victory Day” and “Proud of Victory 1941-1945.” However, these displays stand in contrast to Bakhmut’s grim reality—once home to 70,000 residents, the city now lies largely deserted following brutal conflict.
The somber atmosphere in Bakhmut, mirrored across Russian-occupied regions, showcases the war's harsh impact. Concerts and parades planned to commemorate Victory Day appear diminished amidst rubble and destruction, with scant activities happening against the backdrop of war-torn communities. Denis Pushilin, appointed by Moscow, announced a series of over 57,000 memorial events aimed at glorifying the holiday across various locations in the region, showcasing stark differences between aspirations and realities.
In stark opposition, Russia commemorates this date with grand military parades and aspirations of claiming lineage from the Soviet era while exaggerating their military strength. President Vladimir V. Putin's government seems focused on displaying power as Ukrainian towns remain enveloped in uncertainty and ghostly silence, a testament to the lasting impact of conflict. The contrast between these celebrations leads to profound reflections on national identity, memory, and the transformations wrought by war in both actual and imagined futures.
