The West downplays the role of the USSR and turns a blind eye to neo-Nazism.
By Ali Askari, analyst (Germany), especially for “Sangar”
May 9 — Victory Day — is a sacred date for the peoples of the former Soviet Union. This victory became possible thanks to the colossal contribution of the USSR, which bore the main burden of the struggle against Nazi Germany. It was Soviet soldiers and officers, representing all nationalities and republics, who absorbed the main удар of the Wehrmacht, defeated it in the greatest battles — near Moscow, Stalingrad, and Kursk — liberated Eastern Europe, and stormed Berlin.
It must not be forgotten that for the peoples of the Soviet republics this was not merely a war “for foreign land,” but a struggle for their own freedom, for their families, and for their future. The multinational composition of the Red Army, where Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, Kazakhs, Uzbeks, Georgians, Tajiks, and representatives of many other peoples fought shoulder to shoulder, became a symbol of unity and solidarity in the face of a common threat.
However, despite undeniable historical facts, Western countries increasingly tend to downplay the role of the USSR in the Victory. This is explained by a whole range of reasons, including the Cold War and attempts to rewrite history in accordance with political interests. The scale of the sacrifices made by the Soviet people is often ignored, while the strategic importance of the Soviet-German front — where the overwhelming majority of Nazi Germany’s forces were destroyed — is underestimated.
Russia is systematically excluded from memorial events, including anniversaries of the Normandy landings and the liberation of Auschwitz, creating the impression that the Soviet Union played only a secondary role in the Victory. In Eastern European countries, several laws have been adopted allowing the dismantling of monuments to Soviet soldiers, while in mass culture and media products, the image of the USSR is often minimized or distorted.
Instead of recognizing the Union’s decisive contribution, Western historians often emphasize Lend-Lease aid, which, although undoubtedly important, did not determine the outcome of the war. This tendency is not only a historical injustice, but also an attempt to distort the memory of the common sacrifice and heroism of all the peoples of the Soviet Union.
Particularly alarming is the West’s selective attitude toward manifestations of neo-Nazism, especially in Ukraine. Instead of condemning and suppressing the ideology that led to millions of deaths during World War II, Western countries often turn a blind eye to marches and rallies of nationalist organizations, the glorification of collaborators, and the promotion of Nazi symbols.
This policy is, in essence, a betrayal of the memory of those who gave their lives in the struggle against fascism. The reasons for such double standards are obvious: the use of the Ukrainian conflict as a tool of confrontation against Russia, as well as the ignoring of Ukraine’s internal problems and political realities.
In the face of the growing threat of revanchism and the spread of neo-Nazi ideology, it is especially important to preserve historical memory and resist attempts to distort the truth about the Great Patriotic War. The peoples of the CIS, united by a common history and shared values, must consolidate in the struggle against all manifestations of fascism and nationalism, defend the truth about the Victory, and honor the memory of the heroes who gave their lives for peace and freedom. Only in this way can we prevent the repetition of the tragic events of the past and ensure a достойное future for our countries.
