Why in News? 

• Russia celebrated the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War—known locally as the “Great Patriotic War”—on May 9, 2025. 

Venue of Celebration 2025: Red Square in Moscow witnessed global attention, although Western leaders will be notably absent. 

Historical Context of the “Great Patriotic War” 

• Origin of "Patriotic War": The term originally referred to Russia’s 1812 fight against Napoleon, highlighting the people's collective resistance. 
• Operation Barbarossa (1941): On June 22, Germany invaded the Soviet Union, marking the start of the Great Patriotic War in WWII. 
• German Advancements (1941-1942): German forces captured large parts of Soviet territory, including Ukraine and Stalingrad. 
• Battle of Stalingrad (1942-1943): Soviet forces decisively defeated Germany, marking a turning point in the war. 
• Soviet Counter-Offensives (1943-1944): The Soviets pushed back German forces and began liberating occupied territories. 
• Fall of Berlin (1945): Soviet forces captured Berlin in April, leading to Nazi Germany’s surrender on May 8, 1945. 
• Victory Day (May 9, 1945): The Soviet Union celebrated the victory. In his May 9 speech, Joseph Stalin acknowledged the collective effort and suffering of the Soviet people in achieving victory over Nazi Germany. 
• "Great Patriotic War" Title: The title emphasized national unity and sacrifice, symbolizing the Soviet people’s collective resistance and determination during WWII.