Every year in Russia, May 9 turns not during the day of mourning or gratitude to veterans, but into a mass ritual of militarized self -worship – a phenomenon aptly called “winning cycle”. It is not just about commemorating the victory in World War II, but about maintaining the cult of the war itselfwhose main message is: we can do it again. When the inscription “Na Berlin” appears on the tanks instead of “never again”, this is no longer a story, but preparation for new aggression.
The Russian regime transformed on May 9 in Central myth of its state ideologyin which war is a source of pride, not a tragedy. He justifies the Kremlin's crimes – from the occupation of Crimea to a large -scale invasion of Ukraine. It is through the prism of the “holy victory” that he explains to the Russians why “special operation” is supposedly a continuation of the same fight against “fascism”.
The cynicism of this spectacle is particularly visible against the background of the destroyed theater in Mariupol, torture in Bucza and murdered Ukrainian children. With the accompaniment of boilers and marches, Russia celebrates not victory over Nazism, but your own ability to destroy your neighbors againwhich justifies the historical mission.
In turn, Ukraine on this day commemorates not “the size of the Empire”, but millions of people who died. “Never again” is a slogan from the past, but call to act today. While Russia enjoys its “victory”, Ukrainians protect Europe against the replay of the worst aspects of history.
“You will not make silver idols or gold idols next to me,” says the book of exit. It is particularly dangerous linking the cult of war with the Russian Orthodox Church. The Kremlin replaced the Christian teachings of peace and mercy with the aggressive pseudo -emergency of “Ruthenian Miru”, in which murdering on the order of the state is announced “a holy duty”.
Putin's icons, blessing weapons, prayers for victory in “Special Operation” are more than religion, are an ideological weapon of the Empire. In such a system, May 9 does not become a memory day, but a religious celebration of the worship of violence. The participation of the clergy in the Russian “victory celebration” became one of the most cynical features of modern military worship, which the Kremlin raised to the rank of state religion.
EPA / GAVRIIL Grigorov / Sputnik / Kremlin Pool / PAP
Vladimir Putin with Orthodox patriarchs. Moscow, April 22, 2025
The Russian Orthodox Church not only blesses soldiers and equipment, but in reality sanctifies the imperial war against Ukraine as a “holy mission”. Icons with weapons, religious processions with ribbons of St. Jerzy, a sermon about “fighting fascism” – all this transforms the church from moral authority into a Kremlin propaganda tool.
Patriarch Cyril openly supports aggression, calling it a “metaphysical fight” in order justifications of mass murders and damage. The participation of clergy in the celebration of May 9 strengthens the narrative of “Holy War” and blurs the border between faith and violence.
The Church, which is to be a place of penance and memory of the victims, becomes the theater of Triumph in which Cruelty is presented as an expression of spiritual size. This alliance of the throne and altar is not a blessing, but a betrayal of the principles of the Gospel.
Who knows better than the clergy, what happened to Judas after he betrayed Jesus? They know as well that Piotr obtained forgiveness because he showed repentance. In the end, the psalms tell us that “even my friend, whom I trusted and who ate my bread, raised my heel on me.”
Participation in Putin's crimes
We can talk about several confirmed “stars of” this year's “Winners' Parade. It will be customary to be the president of Serbia Aleksandar Vucić, but as a new participant he will be joined by Robert Fico, the Prime Minister of Slovakia.
For example, the leader of the “Russian fan club” in Europe is surprising, Viktor Orban has not yet decided on his presence. It is good political movementwhich can protect the Hungarian leader from “unfounded attacks” from the “collective west”.
By accepting Putin's invitation to participate in the Parade in Moscow on May 9, the Slovak Prime Minister effectively legitimizes Russian aggression on Ukraine, Although his country is an EU and NATO member. His participation alongside the dictator in an event that is on the memory of a real anti -Nazi fight, is not only a diplomatic gesture, but also a moral bankruptcy.
It looks particularly cynically against the background of his repeated attacks on the president of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelanski, whom Fico called the “American puppet” and accused of being an aggressor. Such statements and actions of Prime Minister Fico are betrayal of European values and solidarity with the victims of the war.
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While Ukrainians pay their lives for defending Europe against a secondary dictatorship, Fico decides to take a picture on the podium with those who bombed civil cities. This is not neutrality – this is participation. The Book of Proverbs says: “Folding lips are disgusting for you, but in truthful, it is likely.”
Putin's announcement Weapon suspension on May 9 is not a peaceful gesture, but a cynical information operation aimed at undermining international support for Ukraine and creating the illusion of “peace” in front of the Russian audience and the world.
Moscow is trying to use the victory day, which has long become a tool of worship of war as cover for regrouping forcesrestoring the combat capacity and making political pressure to the western capitals. This initiative is not a sincere intention of stopping aggression, but only a desire to gain time.
The Kremlin consistently shows that it only recognizes strength. Therefore, a real suspension of weapons will only occur if Russia is forced to interrupt the war – not by agreements, but by the definite resistance of the Ukrainian armed forces, the unity of Ukrainians and a definite position of allies.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
