**Counter-Parade in Europe: Protesters Challenge Russia’s Victory Day Celebrations**
A series of protests have been held across nine European countries and Canada to counter Russia’s Victory Day celebrations, which began on May 4. The demonstrations are a direct response to Russia’s attempt to use the occasion as a justification for its ongoing war against Ukraine.
According to sources within Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR), the protests took place under the name “Death Regiment,” serving as an antithesis to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s propaganda campaign, “Immortal Regiment.” The counter-parade aims to remind humanity of Russia’s systemic war crimes and its attempts to rewrite history.
The protests were not limited to Ukraine; they also took place in Germany, Poland, Italy, the Czech Republic, Spain, Albania, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The events will likely continue until May 9, when Russia’s Victory Day celebrations are set to take place in Moscow.
**Russia’s Attempt to Rewrite History**
Jonathan Brunstedt, an assistant professor of history at Texas A&M University, specializing in nationalism and historical memory in the Soviet Union, commented on Russia’s approach to commemorating World War II. “Moscow often situates victory in World War II as a sole Russian achievement and not a multinational one,” he said.
This is precisely what the protesters are trying to counter by highlighting Russia’s true intentions. The participants of the performances aim to remind the civilized world of Moscow’s barbaric actions, which have been systematically violating international law for many years and decades.
**Leaders Warned Against Attending Victory Day Celebrations**
In a similar vein, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned foreign officials planning to attend Russia’s Victory Day parade in Moscow on May 3. He stated that Ukraine cannot guarantee the safety of these individuals, as Russia might take unknown actions during the celebrations.
The European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, also spoke out against attending Russia’s Victory Day celebrations, warning European leaders about the consequences of participating in the event.
**Slovak Prime Minister Defies Warnings**
Despite these warnings, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico chose to attend the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9. His decision is seen as a contradiction to his own country’s stance and that of other European leaders who have called for caution when dealing with Russia’s Victory Day commemorations.
The protests will likely continue until the end of the month, serving as a reminder of Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine and its attempt to rewrite history.
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