Yelets: Victory Without End

Yelets, Lipetsk Region, Russia. May 9, 2016.

The course toward militarization in Russia began with the reinterpretation of Victory Day on May 9. Despite the immense losses of the USSR in World War II, this day of remembrance gradually turned into a display of militarism — what people came to call “victory mania.” Its main symbol became the “St. George ribbon,” along with a military spectacle that spread from the capital to cities across the country, including the historic town of Yelets, with a population of fewer than 100,000. Military rituals entered schools and even kindergartens, and World War II–style uniforms appeared even for small children.

This report was made with empathy for the people and at the same time with a deep rejection of what is taking place.

A girl with a “St. George ribbon” and a symbol of absurdity: an inflatable Chinese-made tank labeled “Panther” (German Wehrmacht) with a Soviet star.

Soviet symbolism—everywhere on such a day—has gradually become part of everyday life.

In a private home in Yelets, a father and son collect old Soviet symbols as antiques.

A family of collectors of Soviet memorabilia with a six-year-old boy dressed in a 1940s Soviet military uniform. Inscription on the wooden rifle: “Trophy for the Motherland! Hurrah!” In the background, a stele bearing Putin’s words awarding Yelets the title of “City of Military Glory.”

Participant of the “Immortal Regiment” march. The event was first held in 2012 as a one-time civic initiative. It was later turned into an annual state-backed ritual, and the portraits began to expand—from World War II veterans to KGB investigators and even Tsar Nicholas II.

The contemporary design references the USSR of the 1960s.

On this day, the streets of Russian cities—especially in Moscow—fill with fake veterans wearing fake decorations or commemorative gift medals.

Stalls sell trinkets styled after Soviet World War II military decorations: “To the Best Son-in-Law,” “To the Best Wife,” “To the Lucky Hunter,” “To the Beloved Neighbor,” and so on.

Dancing and public festivities—the most moving and traditional part of Victory Day, established in 1945 and never interrupted since.

People drink heavily during the holidays, but on this day the city authorities showed special care by deploying street nurses. The man’s blood pressure is 170/110; he refused medication.

A memorial service in the local Orthodox cathedral.

A man with mental disabilities staged his own personal Victory parade.

1of17