Title: “One year after annexation: Russia celebrates Unity Day”
Introduction :
September 30 marks Unity Day in Russia, commemorating the annexation of the four Ukrainian territories which took place a year ago. This date is an opportunity for Russian leaders to reaffirm their determination to continue the war, thus mobilizing the population around a discourse of defense of the homeland and its values. But this celebration also hides promises of reconstruction for the annexed regions. A look back at a significant day for post-annexation Russia.
Vladimir Putin’s speech:
Vladimir Putin, through a televised statement, presents the defense of the Russian-speaking populations of Donbass as a necessity to preserve the sovereignty and unity of Russia. This story is amplified by a victimizing narrative, where Russia positions itself as a victim of the decadent West. The Russian president takes this opportunity to promise a regeneration of the annexed regions, thus affirming his determination to maintain control over these territories.
Dmitri Medvedev’s words:
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, now a member of the Security Council, joins the bellicose speech by celebrating the “attachment” of the Ukrainian regions to Russia. He claims that the operation in Ukraine will continue until the complete destruction of the kyiv regime and the liberation of other Russian territories. These provocative remarks demonstrate the desire of the Russian authorities to maintain an aggressive policy towards Ukraine and not to consider de-escalation.
The reconstruction of the annexed regions:
Alongside these warlike declarations, Russian leaders also made promises of reconstruction for the annexed regions – Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporizhia and Kherson. If these announcements can be seen as attempts to legitimize the annexation, they also raise questions about the concrete implementation of these regeneration projects in territories marked by conflicts.
Conclusion :
Unity Day in Russia is an opportunity for leaders to reaffirm their determination to continue the war in Ukraine, by mobilizing the population around a speech in defense of the homeland. The promises of regeneration of the annexed regions come in addition to this approach, but raise questions about their feasibility and their real motivations. September 30 thus recalls the complexity of the political situation in Russia and the geopolitical issues that persist in the region.