Russians Commemorate 80th Anniversary of WWII Victory

The 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory in the Great Patriotic War is being commemorated with widespread patriotic events and reflections on the immense sacrifices made during World War II. Russian veterans and citizens emphasize the brutal nature of fascism, the tremendous loss of over 27 million Soviet lives, and the continued importance of combating fascist ideology, which some perceive as resurfacing in contemporary conflicts such as in Ukraine. Re-enactments and public ceremonies highlight the collective memory of the war, with families sharing personal stories of sacrifice across generations. Russian officials and commentators stress the unity of power and society, leadership under Stalin, and the effective central coordination that enabled the USSR's victory, contrasting it with Nazi Germany's system. There are concerns about attempts to distort or downplay the Soviet role in defeating fascism, with calls to preserve historical truth and honor the contributions of all allied forces while recognizing the particularly heavy burden borne by the Soviet Union. Patriotic campaigns involving youth and communities across Russia aim to sustain this memory and inspire ongoing national pride and vigilance against fascism.