In Sevastopol, Crimea, the eve of Victory Day was marked by a mix of patriotism and unease

 

In Sevastopol, Crimea, the eve of Victory Day was marked by a mix of patriotism and unease. Hundreds of Russian flags fluttered beside the graves of soldiers killed in Moscow's war against Ukraine, as locals and visitors paid their respects. Olga and Vladimir, a retired couple, spoke of their pride in Russia's military might and their belief in the inevitability of victory.

However, the atmosphere was tense, with explosions heard in the distance as Russia's Black Sea Fleet conducted military exercises. Authorities had canceled Victory Day celebrations due to safety concerns, and many residents were on edge, aware of the risks of Ukrainian airstrikes.

Yana, a 25-year-old small business owner, planned to stay home, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Her friend Evgeny, a university student, echoed her sentiments, saying, "Victory doesn't mean domination; a peace agreement would be a victory too."

Despite Russian forces' territorial gains in eastern Ukraine, the Black Sea Fleet has proven vulnerable to Ukrainian attacks. Retired navy captain Mikhail Anokhin attributed this to a lack of resolve within the military to root out corruption and treason. He believed victory would come only when Russian forces could ensure full protection over annexed Crimea, which would require conquering the whole southern coast of Ukraine.

In Sevastopol, militarization was evident, with Russian servicemen strolling the streets. Aleksandr, a 25-year-old soldier on leave, spoke of the importance of remembering the past and fighting against evil. His wife Aleksandra, wearing a Saint George Ribbon, expressed pride in her grandfather, a hero of the Soviet Union.

However, the city was largely deserted, with few tourists due to regular rocket and drone attacks. Anna, a 57-year-old souvenir seller, lamented the loss of Crimea's tourism industry and the uncertainty of the future. She no longer believed in victory, feeling a sense of sadness and uncertainty about what tomorrow might bring.

As Victory Day approached, Sevastopol was a city caught between patriotism and fear, its residents torn between pride in their military and anxiety about the ongoing conflict. The celebrations would be muted, with many staying home, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the war that has ravaged the region.