Explaining complex things in simple words: Memory and lessons of WWII, dictator's 'inauguration,' nuclear blackmail

MEMORY AND LESSONS OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR

On May 8, Ukraine celebrates the Day of Victory over Nazism in the Second World War.

• Ukraine celebrates Victory over Nazism Day together with the majority of European countries on May 8, exactly when the Act of Surrender of Germany was signed in Central European Time.
• Ukraine was one of the most affected countries during the Second World War. Its entire territory was occupied, great battles were fought there, and great tragedies of that war took place.
• Ukrainians on the side of the anti-Hitler coalition made a significant contribution to the victory over Nazism and the allies of Hitler's Germany.
• The Second World War became possible due to the conspiracy of both inhumane regimes, Nazi and Soviet. The heir of the latter is now the modern Russian Federation, which, in our time, repeats the shameful practices of Stalinism and Nazism.
• In Russia, the commemoration of the victory over Nazism gradually turned into a cult, and then, in general, into the ugly phenomenon of so-called ‘’pobedobesie’’ (victory frenzy). Its goal is to promote war, to rise above other peoples, and to appropriate the status of ‘’the main winner.’’
• Russian authorities have effectively destroyed the system of international relations established after the Second World War. 
• Today, as in the years of the Second World War, Ukraine is fighting with the aggressor for international peace, security, and justice. 

THE DICTATOR ‘’INAUGURATION’’

On May 7, Putin's ‘’inauguration’’ ceremony was held in Moscow

• In defiance of the law and the constitution, the Kremlin dictator declares himself ‘’president’’ for the fifth time, seeking to break the records of Russian tsars and Soviet general secretaries.
• Leading countries and international organizations, together with Ukraine, condemned the so-called ‘’elections’’ in Russia as illegal and undemocratic.
• Most countries refused to participate in the ‘’inauguration’’ farce.
• In his speech during the ceremony, dictator Putin lied and threatened, blamed the West for his own problems, and talked about a ‘’multipolar world’’, denying Ukraine the right to exist.
• On the day of ‘’inauguration’’, Russia once again shelled Ukraine: Sumy, Kherson, and Dnipropetrovsk regions. Houses were damaged, and civilians, including children, were injured. 

NUCLEAR BLACKMAIL

Moscow and Minsk once again threaten the West with nuclear escalation, neglecting their international obligations and global security interests.

• The Kremlin's claim that the F-16 aircraft that Ukraine is to receive are carriers of nuclear weapons is speculative because being a carrier is not the same as intent to use.
• Ukraine voluntarily gave up the world's third nuclear arsenal, relying on the good will and security guarantees from the ‘’nuclear club.’’ Ukraine has never threatened anyone with a nuclear attack. 
• The Russian Federation and Belarus officials’ statements are dangerous and irresponsible. But firstly, it is a bluff aimed at deterring Western partners from helping Ukraine resist aggression.
• Russia's complete denuclearization is a necessary condition for a stable and just peace.

Center for Strategic Communication and Information Security