Latest news with #May8th
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump and Putin Are Both Learning the Wrong Lesson From World War II
Some observers contend that, in contrast to his predecessor, U.S. President Donald Trump is doing all he can to curry favor with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Some even go as far as to claim that Trump seems subservient to Putin's will. But the past week has offered notable evidence to the contrary. Following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Pope Francis' funeral, Trump opined that Putin didn't seem interested in reaching a peace deal to end its war against Ukraine. Shortly thereafter, the U.S. and Ukraine finally signed a long-delayed mineral deal, which could ensure that Washington will continue supporting Kyiv in the face of Russian aggression. Trump followed that up with a social media post last week that at first glance may seem trivial compared to efforts to end the war in Ukraine. 'Many of our allies and friends are celebrating May 8th as Victory Day,' he wrote, 'but we did more than any other Country, by far, in producing a victorious result on World War II.' He reiterated that claim this week, when in referring to Russia's military parade marking the end of the war, he stated, 'By the way, they lost millions of people and were a decisive factor, but there was no such decisive factor as us.' What makes those statements notable is that Putin, who fancies himself a historian of Russia's military legacy, has long been especially keen to tout Moscow's contribution to the Allied cause during World War II. Indeed, he rarely minces his words in portraying Russia as having saved the world from the tyranny of the Nazi regime. As he remarked during last year's Victory Day parade, 'the destiny of humankind was decided during the colossal battles of Moscow, Leningrad, Rzhev, Stalingrad, Kursk, Kharkov, Minsk, Smolensk and Kiev, and in the intense and bloody fighting from Murmansk to the Caucasus and the Crimea.' In other words, if there is one thing that Putin takes seriously and cares deeply about, it is Russia's pivotal role in winning World War II. That is why, following Trump's remarks, a Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson asserted that, 'at present, the people of the United States, the American nation and the state of America do not know their own history.' To get more in-depth news and expert analysis on global affairs from WPR, sign up for our free Daily Review newsletter. Setting aside whether Trump intended to irk Putin, the timing of his remarks is no coincidence, as this week marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe, or VE, Day, when the Allied powers defeated Nazi Germany to bring the war in Europe to a close. This is a major annual event for many European countries. But this year's edition is a symbolically important occasion in the countries of the former Soviet Union, especially Russia and particularly for Putin. Given the significance of Victory Day this year, and given the seriousness and pride that leaders and citizens of the Allied powers continue to take in their country's contributions to the war effort, it is an appropriate time to reflect on the issue lying at the core of the historical disagreement between Trump and Putin: Who should get the most credit for winning the war? According to a saying often attributed to Josef Stalin, in defeating Nazi Germany, 'the British gave time, the Americans gave money, and the Soviet Union gave blood.' It's worth breaking down each of these contributions. Britain did indeed buy time for the war effort. After the fall of France and the escape of the British and French forces from the beaches of Dunkirk, the British continued to 'Stay Calm and Carry On' in the face of the German bombing campaign known as the Blitz. If Britain had given in to German demands that it acknowledge German hegemony on the continent, this would have lessened the likelihood of eventual U.S. intervention, as Britain was the critical player encouraging the U.S. to enter the war in order to establish a postwar Anglo-American order. Relatedly, British surrender would have enabled Adolf Hitler to consolidate his forces and concentrate fully on the Soviet Union. His eventual attack against the USSR may also have been better timed, as he would not have felt the pressure of his window of opportunity closing due to fear of an eventual U.S. entry into the war. Beyond that, Britain served as the staging ground for the D-Day invasion, and British forces took the fight to the Axis powers in North Africa. In short, it's no exaggeration to say that, at a time when their empire was facing strains that would eventually induce its collapse, the British did much to save the world from Nazi Germany. But it's also impossible to exaggerate the scale of Russia's contribution to the war effort. In many ways, the European theater of World War II was a German-Soviet confrontation in which the British, Americans, French and Italians played supporting roles. 'The Great Patriotic War,' as it is still called in Russia, was initiated by Germany's massive invasion of the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941. Viewed in isolation, the fighting on the Eastern Front would be the largest war in human history, whether measured in terms of geographic range, number of personnel involved and lives lost. The Soviets engaged in the heaviest direct fighting against the Nazis, and despite repeated appeals from Stalin to open a second front in Europe, the British and Americans seemed willing to let the fighting in the East play out, in part because they were not yet ready to invade the continent, but also because the communist government in Moscow was an ally of circumstance, not choice. As for the U.S., there is no denying the fact that it also gave lives to the effort. But Washington's primary contribution was in the form of arms, with the U.S. fulfilling its role as the 'arsenal of democracy,' a phrase coined by French official Jean Monnet and adopted by then-President Franklin Roosevelt. The Lend-Lease program enabled Britain and the Soviet Union to sustain their war efforts. While the Soviets eventually ramped up their own war production, that output would not have been sufficient to defeat Germany, despite Germany's own economic weaknesses. Where the U.S. effort might have been more profound is in shaping Europe's recovery from the war and the global order that emerged after it. As I wrote last year when reflecting on the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion, 'with all the European powers severely weakened after the war and U.S. troops stationed in the heart of Europe, Washington was poised to shape the postwar world order in a manner that served its economic and security interests.' Hence, it is ironic that Trump takes pride in the U.S. effort during the war, but seems to have at best ambivalence for the international order that Washington built when it ended. The truth is that defeating Nazi Germany required the efforts of the British, the Americans and the Soviets. There is no need for one party to take more credit than another. But regardless of how one answers this historical question, the very debate over the issue is important, as societies should regularly reflect on history to ensure that their understanding of the past, which influences claims to legitimacy in the present, is sound. But it's also important for ensuring that the lessons of that war, especially its horrors, are not forgotten. While it is important to get the history right, what's even more important is that major wars like World War II remain just that: history. Paul Poast is an associate professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Chicago and a nonresident fellow at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. The post Trump and Putin Are Both Learning the Wrong Lesson From World War II appeared first on World Politics Review.
Business Recorder
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
German CG commemorates 80th anniversary of liberation
KARACHI: The Consulate General (CG) of the Federal Republic of Germany in Karachi commemorated the 80th anniversary of the liberation from National Socialism and the end of World War II with a memorial service. The event was attended by representatives of the allied nations, including the CG of France, British Deputy High Commissioner, Acting CG of the United States, and officials from the German Consulate. The memorial service honoured the millions of lives lost during World War II and reflected on the significance of the day. CG of the Federal Republic of Germany, Dr Rüdiger Lotz, emphasized the importance of remembering the past and learning from history. 'It is our duty to learn from history. Peace is not something to be taken for granted. It is fragile and must be secured anew every day—through dialogue, through understanding, and through unwavering respect for human dignity.' CG of the Federal Republic of Germany in Karachi, Dr Rüdiger Lotz, said, 'Especially at a time when conflicts are flaring up again around the world and authoritarian forces are on the rise, it is our duty to take a clear stand for democracy, for the rule of law, for peaceful coexistence in Europe and the world.' He said 'Germany stands for the responsibility that arises from history, the need to protect democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.' 'Today,' he added, '80 years later, the message of May 8th is more relevant than ever: Then and now, our guiding principle must be: Never again war, never again hatred.' 'Never again must nationalism, intolerance, and contempt for humanity find space in our world. Never again must we allow political delusion and lust for power to triumph over reason and compassion.' The CG said 'let us stand together to ensure that the words 'Never again war' are not just a vow from the past but a living commitment for the present and the future.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
India Today
08-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Donald Trump declares May 8 Victory Day, citing US role in World War II Win
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump has issued a proclamation designating Thursday as a day for the United States to celebrate victory in World War II as countries in Europe already do. Cities from London to Moscow are holding parades, flyovers and memorials this week as the world observes Thursday's 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, when Nazi Germany surrendered to Allied forces, including the US. Here's what to know about Trump's plans: What is Trump doing and why? The Republican president is designating specific days for the US to celebrate being on the winning side in World War I and World War II. He complained in recent social media posts that Americans don't spend enough time celebrating those achievements, which he said wouldn't have been possible without the US. 'Many of our allies and friends are celebrating May 8th as Victory Day, but we did more than any other Country, by far, in producing a victorious result on World War II. I am hereby renaming May 8th as Victory Day for World War II and November 11th as Victory Day for World War I,' he said last week on social media. 'We won both Wars, nobody was close to us in terms of strength, bravery, or military brilliance, but we never celebrate anything — That's because we don't have leaders anymore, that know how to do so! We are going to start celebrating our victories again!' Can Trump rename an existing federal holiday? No. November 11 is already Veterans Day, a federal holiday in the US, and only Congress can create, rename or take it back. That could explain why Trump backed away from his 'renaming' plan and said he'd instead be 'declaring' national holidays instead. 'We won two World Wars, but we never took credit for it — Everyone else does! All over the World, the Allies are celebrating the Victory we had in World War II. The only Country that doesn't celebrate is the United States of America, and the Victory was only accomplished because of us,' he wrote Monday on social media. 'Without the United States, the War would have been won by other Countries, and what a different World it would be. Therefore, I am hereby declaring a National Holiday in celebration of the Victories of World War I, where the Armistice was signed on November 11, 1918, and World War II, where the Victory date was May 8, 1945.' He signed a proclamation on Wednesday that designates May 8, 2025, as a 'day in celebration of Victory Day for World War II.' He's expected to issue a similar proclamation for World War I later this year. Is Thursday a day off from work? No, Thursday is not a federal holiday and therefore not a day off from work. Only Congress can create federal holidays, and Trump has complained that there already are too many of them. What does he envision will happen around the US on these days? It's unclear. Trump didn't say what he envisions happening, and the proclamation didn't include any details. But he said during an unrelated appearance Wednesday in the Oval Office that he noticed France and other countries were 'all getting ready for Victory Day.' 'We don't celebrate it and I think that's a great disservice,' Trump said. What happens in other countries? On major anniversaries like this year's 80th, Britain celebrates VE Day with parades, airplane flyovers and memorials. The British royal family traditionally watches the airplanes pass overhead from a balcony at Buckingham Palace. Russia celebrates on Friday, and its Victory Day parades are a massive show of its armed forces, with thousands of troops, scores of heavy equipment rolling across Red Square and flyovers involving dozens of warplanes. Military parades, fireworks and other festivities are held in cities across the country. What have veterans groups said about Trump's plans? Rob Couture, director of public affairs for the Veterans of Foreign Wars, said they are encouraged by any steps that 'bring attention to the service of veterans from that time.' Just over 66,100 of the 16.4 million Americans who served in World War II were alive as of 2024.
San Francisco Chronicle
07-05-2025
- Politics
- San Francisco Chronicle
Trump designates Thursday as a day for the US to celebrate victory in World War II
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation designating Thursday as a day for the United States to celebrate victory in World War II as countries in Europe already do. Cities from London to Moscow are holding parades, flyovers and memorials this week as the world observes Thursday's 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, when Nazi Germany surrendered to Allied forces including the U.S. 'As we commemorate Victory Day for World War II, we offer our unending thanks to every patriot from the Greatest Generation who left behind his home and family to fight for our freedom in distant lands,' Trump says in the proclamation, signed Wednesday. 'We honor the memories of all those who perished. Above all, we renew our commitment to keeping America and the entire world safe, secure, prosperous, and free.' World War II ended on May 8, 1945. World War I ended on Nov. 11, 1918. Trump is expected this year to designate a day for U.S. celebrations of the end of the first world war. Neither day is a federal holiday. Trump, a Republican, complained in recent social media posts that the U.S. doesn't spend enough time celebrating its military victories like the rest of the world does. He said he was renaming May 8 as Victory Day for World War II and Nov. 11 as Victory Day for World War I. 'Many of our allies and friends are celebrating May 8th as Victory Day, but we did more than any other Country, by far, in producing a victorious result on World War II. I am hereby renaming May 8th as Victory Day for World War II and November 11th as Victory Day for World War I," he said last week on his social media site. "We won both Wars, nobody was close to us in terms of strength, bravery, or military brilliance, but we never celebrate anything — That's because we don't have leaders anymore, that know how to do so! We are going to start celebrating our victories again!' Nov. 11 is the Veterans Day federal holiday in the United States, and only Congress has the authority to create or rename holidays. Trump backtracked this week, saying he'd declare national holidays instead. 'We won two World Wars, but we never took credit for it — Everyone else does! All over the World, the Allies are celebrating the Victory we had in World War II. The only Country that doesn't celebrate is the United States of America, and the Victory was only accomplished because of us,' he wrote on Monday. 'Without the United States, the War would have been won by other Countries, and what a different World it would be. Therefore, I am hereby declaring a National Holiday in celebration of the Victories of World War I, where the Armistice was signed on November 11, 1918, and World War II, where the Victory date was May 8, 1945.' The proclamation Trump signed designates May 8, 2025, as a 'day in celebration of Victory Day for World War II.'
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Trump designates 8th May as a day for the US to celebrate victory in World War II
Photo: AP WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation designating Thursday as a day for the United States to celebrate victory in World War II as countries in Europe already from London to Moscow are holding parades, flyovers and memorials this week as the world observes Thursday's 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, when Nazi Germany surrendered to Allied forces including the U.S."As we commemorate Victory Day for World War II, we offer our unending thanks to every patriot from the Greatest Generation who left behind his home and family to fight for our freedom in distant lands," Trump says in the proclamation, signed Wednesday. "We honor the memories of all those who perished. Above all, we renew our commitment to keeping America and the entire world safe, secure, prosperous, and free."World War II ended on May 8, War I ended on Nov. 11, 1918. Trump is expected this year to designate a day for U.S. celebrations of the end of the first world war. Neither day is a federal a Republican, complained in recent social media posts that the U.S. doesn't spend enough time celebrating its military victories like the rest of the world does. He said he was renaming May 8 as Victory Day for World War II and Nov. 11 as Victory Day for World War I."Many of our allies and friends are celebrating May 8th as Victory Day, but we did more than any other Country, by far, in producing a victorious result on World War II. I am hereby renaming May 8th as Victory Day for World War II and November 11th as Victory Day for World War I," he said last week on his social media site. "We won both Wars, nobody was close to us in terms of strength, bravery, or military brilliance, but we never celebrate anything - That's because we don't have leaders anymore, that know how to do so! We are going to start celebrating our victories again!"Nov. 11 is the Veterans Day federal holiday in the United States, and only Congress has the authority to create or rename backtracked this week, saying he'd declare national holidays instead."We won two World Wars, but we never took credit for it - Everyone else does! All over the World, the Allies are celebrating the Victory we had in World War II. The only Country that doesn't celebrate is the United States of America, and the Victory was only accomplished because of us," he wrote on Monday. "Without the United States, the War would have been won by other Countries, and what a different World it would be. Therefore, I am hereby declaring a National Holiday in celebration of the Victories of World War I, where the Armistice was signed on November 11, 1918, and World War II, where the Victory date was May 8, 1945. "The proclamation Trump signed designates May 8, 2025, as a "day in celebration of Victory Day for World War II."
