Judge Napolitano, Johnson & McGovern Reflect on Russia’s Victory Day: 80 Years of Memory and Meaning

May 9, 2025

INTEL Roundtable with Judge Napolitano, Larry Johnson, and Ray McGovern

Victory Day in Moscow – 80 Years On

Ray McGovern, a long-standing attendee of Russia’s Victory Day, returned to Moscow in 2025 for the 80th anniversary. Speaking at the Knowledge First educational marathon, he emphasized the deep historical and emotional resonance of this day for the Russian people, noting its role in fostering national unity and pride. He closed with a poem by Nekrasov, earning a standing ovation.

A quiet gesture of thanks from Ray’s followers to Oliver Stone, who helped make his presence in the official box possible.

The panel discussed the symbolism of the Victory Day parade, where President Vladimir Putin presided over a massive display of military strength in Red Square. This year's parade was notable for the attendance of over two dozen world leaders, including China's President Xi Jinping, underscoring Russia's efforts to showcase its global alliances amid ongoing tensions with the West.

Larry Johnson commented on the strategic messaging of the parade, interpreting it as a demonstration of Russia's resilience and a signal to both domestic and international audiences of its enduring military capabilities and geopolitical relevance.

These reflections on Victory Day provided context for the broader discussions on current geopolitical dynamics, including conflicts in Yemen and Ukraine, and the evolving nature of international alliances.

Estimated WWII Deaths by Country

(Military and civilian combined, approximate figures)

Soviet Union – 26.6 million

China – 15 to 20 million

Germany – 6.6 to 8.8 million

Poland – 5.6 million

Japan – 2.6 to 3.1 million

India (British Raj) – 1.5 to 2.5 million

Yugoslavia – 1 million

Romania – 833,000

France – 600,000

Hungary – 580,000

Italy – 457,000

United Kingdom – 450,700

United States – 418,500

Greece – 300,000 to 800,000

Netherlands – 301,000

Korea (under Japanese occupation) – 378,000 to 473,000

Philippines – 500,000 to 1 million

Jewish Holocaust victims – The Holocaust, in which approximately six million Jews were systematically murdered by the Nazi regime, stands as a stark reminder of the atrocities committed during this period. This genocide decimated Jewish communities across Europe and underscores the necessity of remembrance and education to prevent such horrors from recurring.

INTEL Roundtable Highlights

Yemen: Escalation and Costs

500 U.S. Airstrikes: Since March 15, U.S. forces have conducted 500 bombing missions against the Houthis, costing approximately $1 billion.

Houthi Defense: The Houthis have downed five U.S. Predator drones, a significant increase from the previous average of one per month over the past 15 months.

Napolitano's Inquiry: Judge Napolitano questioned the efficacy and cost of these actions, asking, “What’s the price tag of futility?”

Iran: Strategic Posture

Military Capability: The panel discussed Iran's missile capabilities, with Col. Doug Macgregor stating that Iran could significantly damage Israel in a day but chooses restraint.

Strategic Patience: Iran's approach is characterized by readiness coupled with strategic patience, avoiding provocation unless necessary.

Germany: Potential Escalation

Taurus Missiles to Ukraine: Germany is considering supplying Taurus missiles to Ukraine.

Russian Response: Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned that this move could escalate the conflict further.

Poland: Historical Context

Weapon Pipeline: The discussion touched on the U.S. building a weapons pipeline through Poland in 2021, which was seen as a provocative act.

Potential Retaliation: Larry Johnson noted that Russia's lack of retaliation at the time was fortunate, implying that such actions could have led to greater conflict.

McGovern's Call to Action

Moral Responsibility: Ray McGovern emphasized the need for action against the ongoing conflicts, particularly highlighting the suffering of Palestinians.

Direct Action: He urged people to identify and block the transport of bombs, even if it meant facing legal consequences, to uphold moral principles.

The official photographs of the Victory Day Parade on May 9, 2025, held in Red Square, Moscow, were captured by the Kremlin's official photographers and published on the Russian President’s website.

Judge Napolitano – Judging Freedom

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