On May 9, 1945, the Soviet Union celebrated Victory Day, marking the official end of World War II in Europe. This date commemorates the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany to the Allied forces, a

Putin’s Victory Day speech on Red Square was one of the shortest in years, maybe ever. It was heavy on the usual tropes: the nobility of the Soviet sacrifice in helping to defeat Nazi Germany. But light on a more current conflict that is transforming Russian society: His war on Ukraine.

The military parade marking the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany was intended to impress allies and tap into Russia’s deep sense of national pride.