How Russia saved Europe? The title of this article will likely raise eyebrows and queries. But, it is apt. Yes, Russia saved Europe. And, Europe acknowledges that though it tries as much as it can to erase that part of its history because of its fractious relationship with Kremlin –a relationship nurtured in fear, fed by suspicion and spread by negative propaganda and false narratives. These false narratives now encase Europe in fear in much the same way as the fear of Saddam Hussein, Iraq and its ‘Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)’ enveloped Europe in debilitating fear which led to the creation, funding and execution of war against Iraq and eventual annihilation of their president by the allied forces made of Europe’s NATO and USA armies. But, there was no WMD. It was a US/NATO hoax.
Lest I digress! I was referring to how Russia saved Europe between June 22, 1941 and May 9, 1945. It was called the Great Patriotic War which specifically tags the involvement of the Soviet Union in World War II. It was a period of great sacrifice by the Soviet Union during which its forces saved Europe from annihilation by the invading Nazi Germany forces. The war began with Operation Barbarossa which was the German invasion of the Soviet Union. It had significant events like the Siege of Leningrad and the Battle of Stalingrad. The war cost about 27 million Soviet lives, including 8.7 military personnel, civilians, women and children. Despite the human and material cost of the war, the Soviet Union stood its ground fighting to ensure the total defeat, and surrender, of Germany. There is no dispute to the fact that Germany signed the instrument of surrender on May 8 in Berlin. That was a most defining moment of World War II. It ended Mr. Adolf Hitler’s advance in the pursuit of his vision of total conquest of Europe.
Today, Europeans celebrate the end of World War II on May 8. In Russia, it is celebrated on May 9 as Victory Day. Aptly tagged, it marked the day, in world history, when Soviet forces, brutally proved their tenacity and resilience over a rapacious invader who aimed at conquering Europe. Perhaps, Europe couldn’t have become what it is today had Hitler advanced further than where the Soviets stopped him. May 9 is, therefore, for Russians, and other republics of the former Soviet Union, a significant day of commemoration to honour the sacrifices made by Soviets of that era, including female soldiers, to ensure the liberation of Europe. It is celebrated as a day that characterises the immense sacrifice, resilience and national unity displayed by the Soviets in order to liberate Europe.
Victory Day was first celebrated on May 9, 1945 with a massively expressive military parade, the sort many will like to see again, at the Red Square. It was commanded by Georgy Zhukov, one of Russia/Soviet greatest military leaders, who was elevated to the rank of Marshal in January 1943 in recognition of his exceptional leadership and strategic prowess. He was instrumental to Germany’s defeat and Europe’s liberation. In fact, he led Russia to battle in the Battle of Khalkhin Gol in 1939, the Battle of Moscow in 1941 to 1942, the Battle of Stalingrad in 1942 to 1943 and the Battle of Berlin in 1945 where he commanded the 1st Belorussian Front that actually captured the German capital, Berlin. However, May 9 remained merely a Victory Day until 1965 when Leonid Brezhnev declared it a national holiday in Russia.
Subsequent Russian leaders, including President Vladimir Putin, has upheld May 9 as a significant day of pride in Russian nationalism and national unity. It is for many Russians, a day to celebrate national survival and moral victory over oppression. The day unites Russian across political lines. It reinforces their pride in their national identity. The Parade that follows at the Red Square is always a colourful display of Russia’s military heritage, pride and prowess. It also reinforces Russia’s place as a strategic global leader that is ready to solve problems, not amplify them like European leaders do. On that day, Putin, the guy that many European leaders love to misunderstand, will lay wreaths on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier while thousands of Russians march in solidarity with their country, displaying photographs of family members who fought and died in the war that freed Europe from Nazi Germany oppression.
This story is certainly not part of the regular narrative on World War II, as taught in secondary schools in Nigeria and many African countries. The reason may not be unconnected with the fact that Russia did not colonise any African state. If it did, perhaps, it would have stuffed history textbooks used in African schools with its narrative on the role it played in the liberation of Europe between 1941 and 1945. As it is said, until the antelope tells its own story of what transpired in the forest, the story of the hunting expedition will always favour the hunter.
From recorded history, Russia’s relationship with Africa began about the mid-1950s. Historical records indicate that the Soviet Union’s first significant involvement in Africa began in the mid-1950s, particularly around 1955, when it started providing economic and military support to newly independent African states like Egypt and Ghana, to enable them to stabilise and pursue their nationalistic dreams.
Specifically, the USSR provided military and economic aid, notably funding the Aswan High Dam in Egypt, after the U.S. withdrew support in 1956. It also helped to equip and train Egyptian forces as it strengthened diplomatic ties with the Gamal Abdel Nasser’s government. And, after Ghana’s independence, the USSR offered technical assistance, loans, and trade facilitations to the Kwame Nkrumah’s government to enable it stabilize. It also supported infrastructure projects and provided military training to align Ghana with socialist ideals. Russia was also present in Algeria supporting the country’ quest for independence between 1954 and 1962 through the National Liberation Front (FLN) and later provided economic aid to the independent government as well as becoming a major ally of the Derg regime in Ethiopia between 1970 and 1980, where it provided billions in military aid to counter America’s support for Somalia in the Ogaden War of 1977 to 1978.
The fact is, Russia saved Europe from annihilation by Nazi Germany. It is now also strategically doing the same, in many African states through strategic intervention and capacity building to the dismay and disapproval of Europe and America. Despite these, it is unrelenting in its vision of helping Africa liberate itself from the strangulating hold of the West. Russia’s Victory Day celebration on May 9 confronts Europe with the reality of its history; one for which it ought to give Moscow its flowers.
Credit:The Sun