What is victory day?

GS Paper 1:

Topics Covered: History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawing of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.- their forms and effect on the society.

Context:

Every year, Russia celebrates Victory Day on May 9 to commemorate the Soviet Union’s victory over Germany’s Nazi forces in World War II.

What is Victory Day?

Victory Day marks the end of World War II and the victory of the Allied Forces in 1945.

Adolf Hitler had shot himself on April 30. On May 7, German troops surrendered, which was formally accepted the next day, and came into effect on May 9.

• In most European countries, it is celebrated on May 8, and is called the Victory in Europe Day.

Why does Russia not celebrate Victory Day on the same date?

This is because the instrument of surrender signed on May 7 stipulated that all hostilities would cease at 23:01 Berlin Time on May 8 and, as time in Moscow was an hour ahead, this would push the ceasefire into May 9.

1. An initial document was signed in Reims, France on May 7.
2. But, Russia argued that some German troops considered the Reims instrument a surrender to the Western allies only and that fighting continued in eastern Europe, especially in Prague.
3. Therefore, Soviet Union demanded another signing.
4. A second surrender ceremony then took place in a manor on the outskirts of Berlin late on May 8, when it was already May 9 in Moscow.
5. Both texts stipulated that forces under German control were to cease operations at 11:01pm Berlin Time.

Therefore, in the eyes of the Soviet Union, the head of Germany’s armed forces surrendered personally to Joseph Stalin’s representative on May 9 and the instrument of surrender was signed in the early hours of that day.

Relevance of the day this year:

In this year’s speech, Russian President Vladimir Putin described the “denazification” of Ukraine as one of the main aims of his “special military operation” in the country.

• The choice of words followed by the Kremlin is similar to USSR’s stand against Nazism in World War II.
• The parallels drawn with the Second World War are one of the major reasons why speculations around Russia’s actions on Victory Day 2022 keep growing.

Insta Curious:

Do you know the key Differences Between WWI And WWII? Reference: read this.

InstaLinks:

Prelims Link:

1. Axis and Allied powers.
2. Reasons for the WW2.
3. Outcomes of WW2.
4. Why Victory Day celebration dates differ across the world?
5. Why Russia Chose May 9^th?

Mains Link:

Write a note Victory Day celebrated by Russia.

Try this Question:

Consider the following statements:

1. Victory Day marks the end of World War II and the victory of the Allied Forces in 1945.
2. It is celebrated every year on 8th May only.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

1. 1 only.
2. 2 only.
3. Both.
4. None of the above. 

Sources: the Hindu.