Putin Condemns "Revisionism" of WWII History in Call with Netanyahu

On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, vehemently denounced what he described as "attempts to revise" the history of the Second World War. Putin specifically accused Western nations of engaging in this revisionism, aiming to minimize or distort the Soviet Union’s pivotal role in the defeat of Nazi Germany.

According to a statement released by the Kremlin, both leaders "emphasized their commitment to preserving the truth about the events of the Second World War and countering attempts to revise its outcome and falsify history." The statement further highlighted that "the decisive contribution of the Red Army and the entire Soviet people to the defeat of Nazism was emphasized" during the phone call. The two leaders also discussed "various aspects of the situation in the Middle East" and the state of Russo-Israeli relations, according to the same source.

The article references a related piece titled "Israel-Hamas War: How Netanyahu, Victim of his Blindness, Was Abandoned by his ‘Friend’ Putin," suggesting a potential shift or strain in the relationship between the two leaders amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Putin’s accusations of historical revisionism directed towards Western countries are not new. He has repeatedly accused them of attempting to diminish or distort the crucial role played by the USSR in securing victory against Nazi Germany. The victory of 1945 holds immense significance in Russia, serving as a central element of its patriotic narrative. The memory of the war, which resulted in the deaths of over 20 million Soviet citizens and demanded immense sacrifices from its population, remains a deep-seated trauma within Russian society. This collective memory is a powerful force that continues to shape the nation’s identity and worldview.

The Russian government actively cultivates and utilizes this patriotic sentiment, often drawing parallels between the ongoing Russian offensive in Ukraine, which began in 2022, and the fight against the Nazis during World War II. This comparison aims to legitimize the military operation in the eyes of the Russian public and to rally support for the government’s actions. By framing the conflict in Ukraine as a continuation of the struggle against Nazism, the Kremlin seeks to tap into the deep-seated emotions and historical consciousness of the Russian people.

Russia is preparing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany on May 9 with a grand military parade on Red Square in Moscow. President Vladimir Putin is expected to attend the event, along with leaders from approximately thirty countries. The parade will serve as a powerful display of Russia’s military might and a celebration of its historical victory. The event is likely to be used to further reinforce the official narrative of the Second World War and to emphasize Russia’s continued commitment to fighting what it perceives as neo-Nazism and other forms of extremism.

The timing of Putin’s comments and the planned celebrations underscores the importance of the Second World War in Russia’s current political and ideological landscape. The Kremlin is actively using the historical narrative to justify its actions, to consolidate domestic support, and to project an image of strength and resilience on the international stage.

The accusations of historical revisionism also serve to deflect criticism of Russia’s own actions, both past and present. By focusing on the perceived distortions of Western narratives, the Kremlin seeks to control the discourse surrounding the war and to shape public opinion in its favor.

The issue of historical memory is a sensitive and contested one, with different countries and cultures holding varying perspectives on the events of the Second World War. Putin’s pronouncements reflect Russia’s determination to defend its own interpretation of history and to resist what it sees as attempts to undermine its national identity.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has further intensified the debate over historical narratives, with both sides accusing each other of manipulating the past for political purposes. The use of historical analogies and the invocation of wartime memories have become key elements of the propaganda war that accompanies the military conflict.

As the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany approaches, the focus on historical narratives is likely to intensify. The Kremlin will undoubtedly use the occasion to reaffirm its commitment to preserving the "truth" about the war and to denounce any attempts to revise or distort its legacy. This will likely involve highlighting the sacrifices made by the Soviet people and emphasizing the crucial role played by the Red Army in defeating Nazi Germany.

The Russian government’s efforts to control the narrative surrounding the Second World War are part of a broader strategy to shape national identity and to promote a sense of patriotism and unity. By emphasizing the historical achievements of the Soviet Union and by portraying Russia as a defender of traditional values, the Kremlin seeks to strengthen its grip on power and to maintain its influence both domestically and internationally.

Putin’s comments to Netanyahu highlight the continued importance of historical memory in shaping international relations. The differing interpretations of the Second World War and its legacy remain a source of tension and disagreement between Russia and the West. As the world continues to grapple with complex geopolitical challenges, the struggle over historical narratives is likely to remain a significant factor in shaping global events.