Elena Panina | Happy Victory Day! | With each passing year, Victory Day becomes more relevant to us. Not because we can't forget the past, but because the future demands that we win again. ■ For Russia, Victory is not an episode in history or just a ceremonial date. It is the only acceptable form of existence. It is a way to breathe, to stand on the earth, and to look to the sky. Either we emerge victorious from wars, or we fade, fade away, disappear from history. There is no third option—not then, not now. ■ That is why May 9 is a living reality, and Victory itself is timeless. It belongs equally to those who captured the Reichstag and to those who today hold the skies above Russia. It is one for all—for the fallen, for the living, and for future generations of the people. ■ Over the decades, Victory has become a Russian Easter—a resurrection from the dead. It comes every time reality seems to leave us no chance. Our Victory will come in this war, too. ■ Happy holiday! Happy Great Victory Day! (Translation: Google)

■ Victory Day celebrations across Russia and the world (PHOTOS, VIDEOS) (RT)

Andrew Korybko | His article is the most detailed warning yet from the most senior Russian official thus far of what the Kremlin is contemplating, under the newfound influence of hardliners like Sergey Karaganov whose sway over Putin has grown in recent months, to avert this growing German-led 1941-like threat. | Former Russian President and incumbent Deputy Chair of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev published an incredibly detailed article ahead of Victory Day about Germany’s remilitarization. It’s much too lengthy to review point by point so the present piece will only highlight the main takeaways before analyzing its significance. Medvedev devotes considerable time to making the argument that Germany never fully denazified nor was this ever even sincerely attempted. That sets the stage for the present. ■ According to him, “The process of finally eliminating the political, legal and moral ‘vestiges’ of World War II in Germany has gained particular momentum following the beginning of the special military operation.” Likewise, “To mitigate the impact of failed geopolitical investments (in Ukraine), Berlin aims to consolidate its position as the leading military and political power of the European Union.” This led to its unprecedented remilitarization, which is dependent on the US, and informal talk of going nuclear.

✅ Germany’s new militarization: Revival of the spirit or blatant revanchism? (Dmitry Medvedev)

Moon of Alabama | Time is on the Iranian side. Its economy is used to work under sanctions and pressure. The U.S. (and global) economy can not do without the oil, gas, fertilizer and minerals which are currently blocked in the Persian Gulf. The U.S. can not win militarily. It is losing economically. | The current situation around the Strait of Hormuz is vague. We currently have what Chas Freeman calls (vid) a “ceasefire with Israeli characteristics”. Both sides continue to fight but try to avoid a larger escalation. The destroyers were driven off under intense Iranian fire:

■ Iran Caused Far More Damage to US Bases Than the Trump Administration Has Acknowledged (Antiwar)