Anna Malyar/Ministry of Defense of Ukraine
Modern Russia as a country is built around the myth of World War II and victory in it. Consequently, May 9 is perhaps the main holiday for Russians, which may also affect the war in Ukraine.
For the whole world, World War II lasted from September 1, 1939 until September 2, 1945, when Japan signed the surrender. May 8 is the Day of Remembrance and Reconciliation, dedicated to the memory of the victims of World War II. And only in Russia “their own vision.” The war for them began on June 22, 1941, and the victory is celebrated on May 9. Although the Russian army entered the war back in 1939, it was on the side of Nazi Germany. But in Russia they prefer not to mention it. And those who talk about it are sent to prison.
It was May 9 that became a key date for the entire history of Russia. Given the sacredness of this date, in the war against Ukraine on this day one can expect attacks from the Russians. This opinion was expressed by Deputy Defense Minister Anna Malyar on the air of the Rada TV channel, Channel 24 reports.
May 9 for the Russian Federation is perhaps the key “clamp” on which they build their entire mythology and the mythical glorification of their past. And to this day, they definitely need to show something to their population in order to strengthen confidence in their invincibility. This is a myth, but they constantly feed it with artificially created victories, Anna Malyar noted.
She does not exclude that on this day the Russians “will try to do something pseudo-heroic to replenish this myth.” But she noted that such a possibility persists on other days as long as Russia's war against Ukraine continues.
Therefore, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine is considering various options for provocations and complications that Russia may resort to on this day. The Ukrainian military is ready for this. And the Ministry of Defense recommends that civilians observe the main rule during the war – during an air raid, hide in shelter.
“We must understand that on May 9, 10 or 15 – we are in the hot phase of the war. This means that the danger of missile strikes remains throughout the territory of Ukraine. If we talk about ground offensives, then everyone can see where it happens – the South and the East,” Anna Malyar emphasized.
