While Gulag Archipelago may now be
required reading, the GQ
article"conspiracy" shows that it doesn't signal a softening on controls on free speech and the regime maintains a firm grip on its image. Its therefore no surprise that county has been defensive about its behavior during World War II. Russia's position on the German-Soviet pact fits into the current regime's view of the Soviet Union as a proud empire tragically brought down. Robert Amstredam's blog at one of the better
posts on the anniversary.
Most people would say that WWII started on Sept. 1, 1939, but for Russia, the Great Patriotic War began on June 22, 1941. How Vladimir Putin handles this challenging 70th anniversary of the Nazi invasion of Poland at a commemoration event in Gdansk will speak volumes about Russia's transformation since the fall of the Soviet Union. Though he has condemned the secret protocols, given the recent trend of official policy toward history, I think some salt is about to rubbed in some still open wounds.
The Economist had a great
piece on the anniversary, a mock address that Putin should have given in Gdansk. Its easy to see why Mr Putin would choke at uttering a single word from the address.
Those were dark and shameful years for many countries. Out of deference to my British friends I will not mention the Munich agreement, and out of politeness to my hosts I will not cite the Polish land grab of Cieszyn that followed it. But many wrongs do not make a right. As a Russian leader it is my responsibility to ensure that my country acknowledges both the bright and black spots in our history. Our pride at the sacrifice and heroism showed by the Russian people—and by many others in the Soviet Union—in defeating Hitler does not mean that we cannot mourn the victims and crimes of Stalinism both at home and abroad.
I represent the Russian Federation; I cannot take direct responsibility for the actions of another country. So I cannot apologise for the Soviet Union’s shameful and unprovoked attack on Poland on September 17th. I can certainly condemn it, and I do so now. I similarly condemn the illegal annexation of the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, just as I rejoice in their renewed statehood after 1991.
We will never see history quite the same. Russian hearts will always freeze at the sight of veterans parading in SS uniforms in Latvia, Estonia or Ukraine, however much we may with our heads try to understand the impossible choices that led people to wear them. We may never quite see Hitler and Stalin as two sides of the same coin, as some of you do. But I hope we can at least agree to disagree in a spirit of mutual respect. I urge my compatriots, in public office, in the media and elsewhere, to join me in this endeavour.
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