On May 9, a military parade was held in Moscow to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany. There, Russian President Vladimir Putin sought to justify his invasion of Ukraine that has gone on far longer – and at far higher cost – than expected. In his speech, Putin presented the invasion as a defensive operation concentrated on the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine. Some observers interpreted his remarks as a sign that the Kremlin is envisioning a protracted war, particularly over the eastern and southern parts of the country.
Meanwhile, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, in his speech marking the same event, confirmed that the German government would continue to support Ukraine – also by sending heavy weapons. As recent diplomatic irritations between Berlin and Kyiv were overcome, Germany announced that Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock would soon visit the Ukrainian capital.
In this week’s briefing, we will discuss Putin’s May 9 speech and how it will impact Russia, the war in Ukraine, and the Kremlin’s relations with the West.
Speakers:
Dr. Stefan Meister Head, International Order and Democracy Program, DGAP
Dr. Liana Fix Head, International Program, Körber-Stiftung
Dr. András Rácz Associate Fellow, Security and Defense Program, DGAP
Moderator: Dr. Henning Hoff, Executive Editor, Internationale Politik Quarterly
Please register here: events@dgap.org.
You will find information related to data processing at https://dgap.org/en/zoom.
Please note that this event will be recorded.
For any questions, please contact Yulia Loeva (events@dgap.org).