**Russian Immortal Regiment Rally Met with Counter-Protest in Washington, D.C.**
On May 3, a group of pro-Russian demonstrators held an Immortal Regiment rally in Washington, D.C., to mark the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end. However, this event was met with strong opposition from Ukrainian activists who see it as a propaganda tool used by Russia to justify its military actions.
The Immortal Regiment campaign, which originated in 2012 as a grassroots movement to honor WWII veterans, has been co-opted by the Kremlin. Today, it serves as a platform for reinforcing Russian military glory and justifying Moscow’s actions, including the war against Ukraine. This is particularly disturbing given Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine.
**A Political Spectacle**
The rally, which took place ahead of Russia’s Victory Day on May 9, began at Lafayette Square Park near the White House and ended at the World War II Memorial. Washington police were present to ensure the safety of both groups. However, the Ukrainian protesters made their stance clear through flags and posters that read “Putin is wanted for genocide,” “Honor the dead, bring Russia to justice,” and “Putin = Hitler.”
One of the activists from the Ukrainian Cultural Front D.C., Marichka Hlyten, expressed her outrage in a video posted on Facebook: “That’s the crazy reality. We have a Russian march in the middle of Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States… Justifying war crimes seems fine.” This sentiment is echoed by many who see this event as an attempt to manipulate public opinion and justify Russia’s actions.
**Counter-Message**
Ukrainian protesters also displayed a photo of journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna, who was tortured in Russian captivity. This serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. An activist from the Ukrainian Cultural Front DC NGO shared that they aimed to counter the narrative presented by the Immortal Regiment rally. They sought to honor the victims of war and hold Russia accountable for its actions.
**Russian Media Tries to Skew Coverage**
In a move to sway public opinion, Russian media covering the event kept their distance from the Ukrainian protesters. This is part of a broader effort to manipulate coverage for domestic audiences. The real goal behind this propaganda campaign seems clear: to justify Russia’s military actions and maintain its grip on power.
**Victory Day: A Nationalist Narrative**
Russia’s Victory Day, celebrated on May 9, serves as a cornerstone of President Vladimir Putin’s nationalist narrative. By glorifying the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany, Putin aims to rally support for his policies, display military might, and position Russia as a heroic nation resisting Western aggression.
In conclusion, the Immortal Regiment rally in Washington, D.C., was met with strong opposition from Ukrainian activists who see it as an attempt to justify Russian aggression. The Ukrainian protesters made their stance clear through flags, posters, and personal stories of sacrifice and torture at the hands of Russia. This event highlights the deepening divisions between East and West and serves as a reminder that history is often used as a tool for political manipulation.
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