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Russian Exiles Warn of Kremlin Propaganda in Swiss WWII Commemorations
Russian exiles in Switzerland have issued a stark warning that the Kremlin is co-opting World War II commemorations for propaganda purposes, specifically targeting upcoming rallies of the “Immortal Regiment” scheduled in Geneva and Basel this weekend.
The association “Russia of the Future – Switzerland,” comprised of Russians living in exile, claims that what began as a grassroots initiative to honor family members who fought in WWII has been transformed into a political tool to legitimize Russia’s ongoing military campaign in Ukraine.
“This campaign has now been completely appropriated by the Kremlin,” the group stated in a recent press release. The organization expressed concern that these commemorative events are being deployed as “instruments of hybrid influence” designed to normalize Russian aggression against Ukraine in the international arena.
The “Immortal Regiment” marches, where participants traditionally carry photographs of relatives who fought against Nazi Germany, have become increasingly politicized, according to the association. Participants often display the St. George’s ribbon and other symbols that have become associated with Russia’s military actions in Ukraine and state ideology under President Vladimir Putin’s administration.
The exiled Russians have expressed particular outrage over the planned rally locations, noting that holding militaristic gatherings near the “Broken Chair” monument in Geneva—an internationally recognized symbol commemorating victims of war violence—represents a direct affront to Switzerland’s humanitarian tradition and values.
Swiss authorities have allowed the events to proceed despite these concerns. The demonstrations are scheduled to take place in Geneva on Friday and in Basel on Saturday, coinciding with Russia’s Victory Day celebrations on May 9, which mark Nazi Germany’s surrender to Soviet forces in 1945.
The timing carries particular significance as the Kremlin has consistently drawn parallels between the Soviet Union’s fight against Nazi Germany and Russia’s current military operations in Ukraine. Since ordering the invasion in February 2022, Putin has framed the war as a struggle against an alleged “Nazi regime” in Kyiv, claiming Russia is once again defending itself against fascism—a narrative that has been widely rejected by Western governments and international organizations.
“We are Russians in Switzerland whose ancestors also fought against fascism,” the association emphasized. “We are convinced that the most worthy commemoration of their sacrifice today is the demand for an immediate end to the war and respect for human life, the independence of states and human rights.”
The group further warns that Moscow is deliberately creating a false impression of unified support for the war among Russian expatriates in Switzerland. “This does not correspond to reality and represents an instrumentalization of the diaspora,” they stated, suggesting that many Russians living abroad oppose the war but face pressure to conform to pro-Kremlin narratives.
The “Immortal Regiment” movement originated in 2012 in Tomsk, Russia, as a civilian initiative to preserve family memories of WWII veterans. However, critics argue that since 2015, when the movement gained official state backing, it has increasingly served the Kremlin’s geopolitical messaging.
May 9th holds profound cultural significance in Russia. While most Western European countries observe Victory in Europe Day on May 8th, Russia celebrates Victory Day on May 9th due to the time zone difference when Nazi Germany’s representatives signed the unconditional surrender document at the Soviet headquarters in Berlin-Karlshorst.
The controversy highlights the broader struggle over historical memory and its political exploitation, particularly as the war in Ukraine continues into its third year with no resolution in sight. For the Russian exile community in Switzerland, these commemorations have become yet another battleground in a wider information war where symbols of the past are weaponized to justify present-day military actions.
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7 Comments
It’s crucial that the international community sees through the Kremlin’s attempts to normalize its aggression against Ukraine. Kudos to the exiled Russians for calling this out.
Absolutely. These commemorative events should remain non-partisan and focused on honoring those who fought against fascism, not be used as ‘instruments of hybrid influence.’
It’s concerning to hear that the Kremlin is trying to co-opt these WWII commemorations for propaganda purposes. Exiled Russians are right to warn against this manipulation of history.
Exiled Russians raising awareness of Kremlin propaganda efforts is important. We must be vigilant against attempts to distort and exploit historical events for political gain.
The ‘Immortal Regiment’ march was intended to honor those who fought against the Nazis, not to justify Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. It’s troubling to see these events being politicized in this way.
I agree, this is a concerning development. The Kremlin should not be allowed to hijack these solemn commemorations for its own political agenda.
The Kremlin’s efforts to co-opt these WWII commemorations for propaganda purposes is concerning. We must remain vigilant against attempts to rewrite history and legitimize aggression.