While air raid sirens rang across large parts of Ukraine last night, Russia is gearing up for its annual May 9 celebration, the day Nazi Germany formally laid down its arms. Traditionally a vacation in Russia, according to correspondent Joost Bosman, President Putin will prepare Russians for more of the same and then a protracted war against the West and NATO. “He will strike a blow against the West.”
While Putin may sometimes surprise, this year he won’t, Bosman thinks. “I think Putin is afraid of ruining a holiday, as it is traditionally, for Russians. He won’t want to do it.’
It doesn’t matter that Putin’s rhetoric will be no different from that of the past six months. “We are at war with NATO, with the West, the survival of the Russian state is in danger, and therefore we must prepare for a long war. In fact he has been doing it for six months in his speeches about him: preparing people to suffer even more. He doesn’t have much else to offer.’
Safety
The festivities are accompanied by ever so strict security measures. According to Bosman, three presidents of the former Soviet republics will take part in the ceremonies and Putin himself will also be in Red Square. Reason for stricter controls. Bosman points out that the Russian authorities are trying to make it difficult for drones to navigate, as evidenced by the fact that taxi navigation no longer works.
“I think Putin is afraid of ruining a vacation for Russians”
Bosman notes that the atmosphere is different from other years. While some Russians still think Ukraine should enter with an even longer leg, others have doubts. The correspondent spoke to people who always celebrated the day because they could then tell their children that there would never be another war, “and now everything is happening again.” What should they tell their children?’
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Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
