NEWSWATCH: “Putin Supporters’ Election Pitch: Remember Stalingrad; Video made at memorial to WWII victory is part of patriotic wave ahead of Russia’s March election” – Wall Street Journal/James Marson

Large Mother Russia Statue Near Volgograd

“… the video has also been chided for taking things too far, including on state television, underscoring the tension around the Kremlin’s efforts to drum up support despite a stagnant economy and a fall in living standards in recent years. * * *  Putin has made commemoration of the World War II [Stalingrad] victory a centerpiece of his rule, portraying Russia as standing firm under attack as tensions have risen with the West over the Kremlin’s military interventions in Ukraine and Syria and its alleged interference in the U.S. presidential election, which Moscow denies. Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 boosted … Putin’s approval rating … and it has remained high. … Putin’s political party United Russia held concerts across the country … aimed at commemorating Stalingrad and supporting Russian athletes ….”

Click here for: “Putin Supporters’ Election Pitch: Remember Stalingrad; Video made at memorial to WWII victory is part of patriotic wave ahead of Russia’s March election” – Wall Street Journal/James Marson

[featured image is file photo]

 

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