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Western boycott of the 70th anniversary Victory Parade in Moscow

6 May 2015
Western boycott of the 70th anniversary Victory Parade in Moscow

Prof Geoffrey Roberts is critical of the western boycott of the 70th anniversary Victory Parade in Moscow. Read his letter in the Financial Times (06 May 2015)

 

Dear Sir,

 

Your editorial on the Soviet role in the defeat of Nazism “An anniversary message from the west to Russia” (May 4) is very welcome. The Second World War was far more than a geopolitical contest. It was a struggle for the future of Europe, and European civilisation was saved from Hitler and Nazi barbarism by the colossal sacrifices of the Soviet people and the Red Army.

 

Your editorial characterises as regrettable but inevitable the absence of western leaders from Moscow’s 70th anniversary Victory Day celebrations given the context of the Ukrainian crisis. But the boycott will achieve nothing positive. It will serve simply to strengthen Putin’s narrative that Russia is a victim of western powers who refuse to acknowledge their debt to the Russian people and celebrate the common victory over Nazism.

 

The intent to snub Putin through a boycott will be read by many in Russia as evidence of the west’s willingness to play propaganda games with a sacred anniversary, reducing the fine sentiments expressed in your editorial to little more than weasel words.

 

Yours faithfully,

 

Professor Geoffrey Roberts

School of History

University College Cork

g.roberts@ucc.ie

00353214902441

School of History

Scoil na Staire

Tyrconnell,Off College Road,Cork,Ireland.

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