On May 9, 2025, a significant day marked by the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a powerful speech during a grand parade at Red Square. This event not only commemorated the sacrifices made during World War II but also reinforced Russia's stance against Nazism and historical distortions surrounding the war.
Putin's address resonated deeply with military personnel and veterans present at the ceremony. He expressed a collective sentiment of pride and gratitude, stating, "We are united by a sense of pride and gratitude." He emphasized that Russia would never accept any distortions of World War II events, asserting, "Russia was and will always be an indestructible barrier against Nazism, Russophobia, and anti-Semitism." Furthermore, he declared, "Truth and justice are on our side," underscoring Russia's commitment to combatting ideologies that promote aggression and destruction.
As part of the commemoration, Putin called for a moment of silence to honor those who lost their lives during the Great Patriotic War. This gesture served as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of remembering those who fought valiantly.
In addition to honoring Russian soldiers, Putin acknowledged the contributions of the Chinese people in the fight for a peaceful future, stating, "Glory to the victorious people! Happy Victory Day!" His remarks highlighted the international dimensions of World War II, recognizing the collaborative efforts of nations against common foes.
Meanwhile, on the same day, Russian television channel NTV premiered the historical military drama "Axe. 1945. July," which explores the harrowing experiences of soldiers during the war. This highly anticipated series features a main character who confronts the brutalities of the infamous Japanese "Squad 731," known for its inhumane experiments during the war.
The drama unfolds across multiple episodes, with the second part airing at 1:00 PM on May 9, 2025, depicting events from 1943. In this installment, the protagonist, Ivan Rodin, embarks on a mission to warn his command about a hidden enemy tank division, showcasing the tactical challenges faced by soldiers in the field.
Following that, the third part of the series, airing at 2:50 PM, focuses on Rodin and a reconnaissance group as they attempt to rescue children from a concentration camp. This narrative thread adds a deeply emotional layer to the series, illustrating the moral complexities of warfare.
As the day progresses, viewers will also witness the fourth installment, "Axe. 1945. Königsberg," which will be broadcast at 5:10 PM. This episode delves into the Soviet Army's offensive in East Prussia and the treasures looted by the Nazis, further enriching the historical context of the series.
Finally, the climax of the drama will be showcased in the premiere of the concluding episodes of "Axe. 1945. July" at 9:45 PM on the Day of Great Victory. Set in the summer of 1945, the series depicts the Soviet command's strategic maneuvers against the Japanese army in Manchuria, revealing the lesser-known facets of the war.
Filming for the series took place in Central Russia and the Far East, with significant portions shot in Buryatia, where battle scenes were recreated near Ulan-Ude. The production team transformed a local Buddhist monastery into a replica of a Chinese temple, showcasing the artistic efforts involved in bringing the story to life.
Among the cast are notable actors such as Andrei Smolyakov, Konstantin Adaev, and Master Shi, the latter being a real monk from the famous Shaolin temple. The series features dialogues in Russian, Japanese, and Chinese, reflecting the multicultural aspects of the narrative.
Director Vadim Ostrovsky, who has previously worked on the "Axe" franchise, shared insights about the filming process, particularly regarding the final battle scene, which was shot in a sacred location known to the residents of Buryatia. He described the intense preparation that went into choreographing the fight sequences, emphasizing the dedication of the actors to authentically portray their roles.
As the nation reflects on its past, the intertwining of historical remembrance with contemporary storytelling highlights the ongoing relevance of World War II narratives in shaping national identity and cultural memory.
In conclusion, the events of May 9, 2025, serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made during the Great Patriotic War, while also showcasing the enduring legacy of those who fought for freedom and justice. With both Putin's stirring address and the premiere of "Axe. 1945. July," the day encapsulated a blend of solemn remembrance and cultural celebration.
