Russia Exiled Russians in Switzerland warn against Kremlin propaganda
The association Russia of the Future - Switzerland warns that the Kremlin is misusing the commemoration of the victims of the Second World War for propaganda. The rallies of the so-called Immortal Regiment taking place in Geneva and Basel on Friday and Saturday are affected.
06.05.2026, 17:57
06.05.2026, 18:06
SDA
The association, which was founded by exiled Russians in Switzerland, pointed out in a press release that "this campaign has now been completely appropriated by the Kremlin". What once began as a civil society initiative for family commemoration now serves as an "instrument of hybrid influence to legitimize Russian aggression against Ukraine".
Participants in the rallies for the "Immortal Regiment" often use symbols such as the St. George's ribbon, which are directly linked to war crimes in Ukraine and Russian state ideology.
Militaristic rallies right next to the "Broken Chair" in Geneva, a symbol for the victims of war violence, are also an affront to Switzerland's humanitarian values.
The Kremlin in Moscow is using these events to create an image of united support for the war among Russians living in Switzerland, warns Russia of the Future - Switzerland. This does not correspond to reality and is an instrumentalization of the diaspora, the Russian exile community.
Russia should end the war in Ukraine
The association emphasizes the following: "We are Russians in Switzerland whose ancestors also fought against fascism. We are convinced that the most worthy commemoration of their sacrifice today is the demand for an immediate end to the war and respect for human life, the independence of states and human rights."
Every year on May 9, Moscow celebrates Victory Day over Nazi Germany. In the night from May 8 to 9 (according to Moscow time on the 9th) 1945, the German representatives signed the unconditional surrender at the Soviet commandant's office in Berlin-Karlshorst.
The so-called Immortal Regiment is a social action in Russia and other countries to mark Victory Day. Its participants gather for a commemorative march and carry the pictures of their family members who fought against Nazi Germany in the so-called Great Patriotic War from 1941 to 1945 in what was then the Soviet Union.
Following the military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which he ordered, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared his so-called special military operation as a fight against an alleged Nazi regime in Kiev, with which Russia is supposedly once again defending itself against fascism - just as it did decades ago against Nazi Germany.
