PHOTOS: shocking russians on victory day - massive Putin-Hitler poster on Estonian border

Border city Narva, Estonia — in a strong narrative pushback act, Narva Museum has installed a massive poster featuring a joint portrait of Vladimir Putin and nazi dictator Adolf Hitler on the wall of the Hermann Castle facing the Russian border — just in time for May 9th, known in Russia as victory day. EU, Estonian and Ukrainian flags are also presented.

The bold poster, visible across the Narva River in Russia, bears the inscription “PUTLER WAR CRIMINAL.” The image draws a direct parallel between the wartime atrocities of Hitler and the contemporary actions of Putin, particularly in light of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

The depiction is more than visual provocation — it's a sharp critique rooted in historical irony. Hitler has long served as the central villain in Soviet and Russian state propaganda. By linking him with Putin, the display confronts decades of ideological storytelling promoted by both the Soviet Union and its successor regime in the Kremlin.

Poster was made by Propastop, an Estonian volunteer-run initiative focused on exposing and countering disinformation, especially Kremlin-driven propaganda. Operated by members of the Estonian Defence League, Propastop monitors online narratives and responds with factual rebuttals, public awareness campaigns, and striking symbolic actions — such as this large-scale border display. They write: "Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has caused unimaginable suffering and serious violations of international law. This is a deliberate strategy by the Kremlin and President Vladimir Putin to terrorize the Ukrainian people. Russia is stealing Ukraine’s future by abducting and brainwashing children. The use of rape as a weapon of war is vile and reveals the immorality and cruelty of Russian forces. Impunity is unacceptable. Putin and all those responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity must be brought to justice."

Victory Day, marking the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II, is traditionally accompanied in Russia by sweeping patriotic displays. As in previous years, large screens have been set up on the Russian side of the river, facing Estonia, broadcasting concerts and propaganda material toward Narva.