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CBSMAY 16 2024
Putin Has 'No Doubt' About Russian Victory in Ukraine
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The Facts
As Russia marked 'Victory Day' — the day celebrating the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II — on Thursday, Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin declared he has "no doubt" that Russia would replicate the result in Ukraine.
Thursday marked the 79th anniversary of the event, and was commemorated, as every year, with a large military parade in Moscow's Red Square in which Putin talked up the strength of Russia's armed forces. However, as pointed out by Western sources, only one tank was present with most resources devoted to Ukraine.
Similar to the previous year's address, Putin sought to draw parallels between World War II and the current conflict, leveling allegations that they were fighting Nazis in both instances. These accusations are strongly denied in Ukraine and in the West.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Rather than celebrate Russia's genuine triumph over fascism in 1945, Victory Day under Putin has become all about Russia's illegal war in Ukraine — a sign of how the country is turning into a military dictatorship under the autocrat's iron fist.
Pro-Russia narrative
As the West continues to engage in historical revisionism of Russia's role in fighting fascism, while at the same promoting neo-Nazi forces operating in Ukraine, Russia will never forget the sacrifice of its ancestors and will continue their memory against the new enemies the country faces.