Richard Arnold

6 days ago | jamestown.org | Richard Arnold

Executive Summary:Russia will celebrate Victory Day on May 9, marking 80 years since the end of World War II, a moral and existential victory that the Kremlin wields to legitimize its present-day war against Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “Great Patriotic War” narrative excludes Ukraine, which made huge sacrifices to the Soviet victory in terms of soldiers, the civilian population, and materials, while framing the war against Ukraine as one against neo-Nazis.

2 weeks ago | jamestown.org | Richard Arnold

Executive Summary:The Kremlin is using Russian ice hockey player Alexander Ovechkin’s record as the all-time National Hockey League–North America’s professional ice hockey league—scorer to promote nationalism, claiming the achievement for Russia. Russian President Putin has long used sports to symbolize Russian values and project personal strength, hosting international athletic competitions, promoting participation in sports, and playing in exhibition matches himself.

3 weeks ago | jamestown.org | Richard Arnold

Executive Summary:Russia’s state-registered Cossack movement held its “Great Cossack Circle” meeting on February 25, highlighting Moscow’s growing investment in using the Cossacks as a state-managed substitute for authentic civil society. The “Great Cossack Circle” meeting emphasized Cossack military identity and pro-war sentiment, comparing Russia’s war against Ukraine to World War II. Out of 140,000 registered Cossacks, 50,000 have fought in Russia’s war against Ukraine.

2 months ago | jamestown.org | Richard Arnold

Executive Summary:Russia is ramping up its military efforts—despite discussions of a ceasefire—with speculation about a second wave of mobilization. New Cossack battalions and expanded funding suggest a growing paramilitary force, indirectly increasing Russia’s mobilization potential. Several recent developments indicate that Moscow is preparing for a prolonged conflict.

Feb 4, 2025 | jamestown.org | Richard Arnold

Executive Summary:Russia is planning extensive events for the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II (WWII), using historical memory as a tool to legitimize its Ukraine invasion. Russian President Vladimir Putin declared 2025 the “Year of the Defender of the Fatherland,” and propaganda lessons, military-themed competitions, and Cossack institutionalization aim to instill a narrative of Russian resilience.