“Victory” cult: Center for Countering Disinformation explains why Russia holds “immortal regiment” marches worldwide

The Center for Countering Disinformation reported the information. 

They said that Russian propaganda disseminates information about the marches of the “immortal regiment” organized by Russian diplomatic missions abroad. During these marches, participants show photos of their relatives who participated in World War II. At the same time, they also use communist symbols, flags of the “DPR” terrorist organization, wear elements of the USSR military uniform, sing Russian songs and dance.

The Center calls this action a “carnival” rather than a commemoration of the dead, and emphasizes that by holding such events, Russia aims to create the illusion of support for its position around the world through the massive involvement of Russians loyal to the Kremlin abroad.

“To do this, Russia is speculating on the sensitive topic of condemning Nazism in the Western world. The Kremlin has turned a civic initiative, which was once conceived in Russia to honor the memory of those who died in World War II, into a powerful propaganda tool and made it part of a vulgar ‘cult of victory,’” the Center added. 

• Last year, Russia canceled the traditional procession of the Immortal Regiment, which was held annually on May 9.