Defender of the Fatherland Day in Russia

Timely read.

The Russians have a history of marking such dates with significant military operations. The operation against Ukraine fits the pattern. Putin is determined to roll back the advancement of democracy in the former Soviet republics, even using religion as a pretext. Russia is officially atheist and views Christianity as a direct threat to Russia, where it is outlawed. Now the Ukraine has joined the Eastern Orthodox Church and elected it’s own prelate. Above all, Putin views Ukraine as a potential member of NATO, and he won’t tolerate such aspirations. He wants leaders in Ukraine who are friendly toward Russia and can be manipulated to serve Russian ends. All of that is worth fighting for, in his view. Intimidation hasn’t worked in scaring the Ukrainians so expect war by Sunday morning.

In Ukraine, Defender of the Fatherland Day was never celebrated as a state holiday. Ukraine abolished the holiday starting 1992 and, after the Revolution of Dignity, has instated the somewhat similar Defender of Ukraine Day on 14 October. President Petro Poroshenko instated the Defender of Ukraine Day in 2014, with its official holiday status. Ukrainian Armed Forces Day is celebrated yearly on 6 December for the entire Armed Forces with special programs and nationwide gun salutes and fireworks displays.