Latvia's 9 May Commemorations in the Shadow of the Russia-Ukraine War: Transformations and Cultural Divides

• In Event: Linguistic and Mnemonic Cleavages

Abstract

This paper delves into the recent transformations in the 9 May commemorative practices in Latvia, particularly following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. For the last three decades, the 9 May 'Victory Day' commemoration not only played an integrative role within Latvia's Russian-speaking community but was also perceived as a tool for Russia as a post-imperial state seeking to influence historical memory processes in Latvia.

In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Latvian state implemented stringent measures to curtail mass celebrations on 9 May, including legislative amendments in 2022 designating 9 May as a day of remembrance for the victims of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In August 2023, the demolition of the Victory Monument in Riga (the most significant ritual space, with dual symbolism – as a remnant of World War II victory and a representation of Soviet occupation or Russian imperialism) followed.

By exploring the most recent changes in 9 May rituals, the paper aims to deepen our understanding of commemorative practices and the challenges arising from the divided cultural memory between Latvian-speaking and Russian-speaking communities. The study investigates alternative modes and places of commemoration, such as cemeteries, emerging as focal points for Russian-speakers on 9 May. It also examines the emergence of a new practice - the day of remembrance for the victims of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This shift in commemorative spaces underscores the evolving dynamics of collective memory in the face of geopolitical transformations in the region.

Short Bio

Dr. Ksenija Iljina is a dedicated scholar who recently completed her Ph.D. at the School of Slavonic and East European Studies, University College London. Her doctoral thesis is a groundbreaking exploration into the contemporary uses of Soviet mythologies and ritual practices in Latvia, shedding light on the intersections of heritage, memory, and identity construction in the Baltic region. Dr. Iljina's research interests encompass broader areas, including Baltic Studies, Russian and Slavonic Studies, and Cultural Memory.

Committed to advancing academic inquiry, Dr. Iljina plays an active role in teaching various modules at University College London, including 'Communist Societies', 'Comparative Political Analysis', and 'Understanding Politics.'

In the academic year 2020/2021, Ksenija participated in the Yale University-University College London Exchange Program. Prior to her doctoral studies, Dr. Iljina earned an M.A. in Arts and Cultural Management from King’s College London. She laid the foundation for her academic journey with a B.A. degree in Russian Philology from the University of Latvia.

Beyond academia, Dr. Iljina's professional career includes the management of impactful collaborative research initiatives, as well as the cultivation of partnerships between educational organizations and non-governmental sectors.

Author

• Ksenija Iljina, University College London