The image of the victory over Nazism: the curse of the war in Ukraine

The memory of the victory over Nazism in 1945 forms the expectations of Ukraine and the Russian Federation: both dream of the surrender of the enemy. But the reality is somewhat different.

During the war in Ukraine Both sides actively use the memory of the victory over Nazi Germany to promote their positions. Ukraine equates the actions of Russia with Nazi, accusing it of aggression and violation of international law, and calls on the world to punish the Russian Federation as Germany in 1945. Russia calls the Ukrainian authorities “Nazis” And “Hitler's heirs”pointing to the demolition of Soviet monuments, veneration of the SS division “Galica” And OUN-UPA (The organization of Ukrainian nationalists is the Ukrainian rebel army), as well as for statements about “Soviet occupation”.

The key influence is exerted by the image unconditional surrender Germany of 1945, which in both countries is considered the perfect completion of the conflict. This symbol, familiar from childhood through books and films, forms the belief that victory is possible only through the full submission of the enemy. If the enemy is perceived as “Nazi”compromises seem unacceptable, and war before surrender is the only way.

However, history shows that the wars rarely end as clearly as the second world. In the current situation, when not a single side has achieved complete defeat, two scenarios are possible:

1. Peace agreement: To agree on peaceful coexistence, abandoning the requirements of reparations, tribunals or the return of territories, begin the restoration of relations. An example is a relationship Finland And USSR After 1945, when Finland lost the territory, took neutrality, and the USSR respected its sovereignty.
2. Freezing the conflict: the ceasefire along the front line while maintaining enmity, which can lead to:
   • periodic wars, as between India and Pakistan;
   • hybrid war, as in the Donbass until 2022;
   • Long -term truce, as between South and North Korea.

The conclusion of the truce is technically simple – the consent of the parties is enough. Both countries can take advantage of interest Donald Trump In the transaction, having received benefits: Kyiv – guarantees of weapons supply and acceleration of integration in EU (European Union), Moscow – recognition of Crimea, lifting sanctions, blocking Ukraine's entry into NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Organization of the North Atlantic Treaty). But for many in both countries, this outcome is equivalent “Surrender”. They crave a complete victory inspired by the image of 1945.

The pursuit of Victory to the end He risks not to lead to a triumph, but to the depletion of both sides, undermining their development for decades. Even the ceasefire along the current front line will become victory For both countries, minimizing the consequences of the war. The earlier the conflict ends, the more chances for restoration and progress.

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