MWE Correspondent
As Russia prepares to commemorate the 80th anniversary of its victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, the country has constructed a life-sized replica of the historic Reichstag building in Berlin.
The recreation is the dramatic centerpiece of this year’s Victory Day commemorations, reflecting Russia’s efforts to preserve wartime memory and bolster national pride.
The structure has been assembled in a park in Moscow, complete with realistic features such as battle scars, bullet holes, and simulated wartime damage. It serves as the stage for a theatrical performance titled “Victory! The Flag Over the Reichstag”, dramatizing the moment when Soviet forces raised their flag atop the Reichstag during the final days of the war in 1945. The show runs twice daily from May 1 to May 11, immersing audiences in the atmosphere of a battle that changed world history.
This tribute comes as part of a broader effort by President Vladimir Putin’s administration to reinforce patriotic sentiment and national unity. In recent years, Putin has frequently invoked the memory of the Great Patriotic War, Russia’s name for the eastern front of World War II, to foster cohesion and pride, especially among younger generations.
On May 9, Russia will hold its traditional Victory Day Parade in Red Square, showcasing military strength and honoring war veterans. Dignitaries from countries such as China, represented by President Xi Jinping, and Brazil, led by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, are expected to attend.
While supporters laud the events as powerful reminders of sacrifice and courage, critics argue that such grand displays may be politically motivated, particularly in light of Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. Some view the theatrical elements as an attempt to stir nationalism and shift public attention away from modern-day challenges.
Despite the political undertones, the performances have drawn thousands of spectators — veterans reliving their memories, families teaching their children about history, and tourists curious to witness a unique display of wartime tribute.
Russia’s replica Reichstag stands not just as a symbolic monument, but as a reminder of how the narratives of past wars continue to shape today’s politics, identity, and global perceptions.
