Why does VE Day matter so much in post-Soviet Russia? One obvious reason is that the triumph over Nazi Germany in WWII is the only victory relevant to the entire nation that can act as a unifying force.
Of course, there have been many other glorious chapters in Russia's military history, including victories in the Napoleonic campaign of 1812 and against Polish invaders in the 17th century. But they do not have as much relevance to Russians these days. Although they remain prominent in history books, these events are too distant to have any resonance in living memory. Russians today have no idea what side their ancestors were on in the Time of Troubles, or even of their role in the Napoleonic Wars.
By contrast, there is still a strong personal connection with World War II. There are still veterans alive who can offer their living testimony, and most Russians today do not only know of that war from textbooks, but from their relatives' first-hand accounts.
Memories of the blood shed on battlefields may serve to unify a nation, but they can also be a divisive factor. One striking example is the Spanish Civil War of 1936-1939: modern Spaniards are still largely split along the lines of their parents' and grandparents' allegiance.
