"Putin's Victory Cult and Military Leadership Changes Under Scrutiny"

Ukraine is shunning Russia's "diabolic frenzy" of Victory Day celebrations, which glorify Russia's martial grandeur and imperialistic ambitions. Russia's appropriation of victory has become another frontline in the ongoing ideological war between the two countries. Ukraine has proposed abolishing the May 9 holiday, arguing that it is used by Moscow as an "ideological justification for its aggression." The Ukrainian desire for a different emphasis reflects opinion polls that found 80% of Ukrainians viewed the V-day as one of memory rather than victory.