The atmosphere of fears and rumors, ridiculous preparations and regulations on the approaches to the current May 9 add up to a general picture and a general feeling: few people can and want to share this holiday with Vladimir Putin, which was long ago appropriated by him and adopted as the day of his personal political triumph.

The atmosphere of fear and speculation, the absurd preparations and restrictions surrounding this year’s 9 May celebrations all contribute to a broader picture and a common impression: very few people are able or willing to share this holiday with Vladimir Putin, a holiday he long ago appropriated and turned into a day of his own personal political triumph.