Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commemorated the surrender of Nazi Germany in World War II by announcing on Monday that his country will officially celebrate the anniversary on May 8 each year, coinciding with celebrations in other Western countries marking Europe’s victory.
In a speech to his people from a hill overlooking the capital Kyiv, Zelensky stated that "the old evil" has returned, this time unleashed by "modern Russia," which aims to achieve the same goal as the Nazis: "enslavement and destruction," asserting that they "will not succeed in that."
To further emphasize "Ukraine's break from its Soviet past," Zelensky indicated that he has submitted a bill to parliament to officially establish May 8 as a day of remembrance and victory, while Ukraine will celebrate Europe Day on May 9 each year, the same day that Russia celebrates Victory Day.
In a video recording broadcast on his Telegram channel, he said, "We are restoring a truthful history for our state without ideological influences. Most countries in the world remember the greatness of victory over the Nazis on May 8."
He added, "Today, I signed the decree regarding this matter, and every year starting tomorrow, May 9, we will celebrate our historical unity, the unity of all Europeans who destroyed Nazism and will defeat Russian fascism."
He emphasized that "we do not yet know the date of our victory, but we know it will be a holiday for all of Ukraine, all of Europe, and the entire free world."
In response to questions about Zelensky's proposals, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated in a press briefing Monday: "We are convinced that this day is sacred for many in Ukraine," confirming that "there are also veterans who participated in the Great Patriotic War and their relatives for whom this day will remain sacred."
For Russia, May 9 is one of its most significant national occasions, commemorating the immense sacrifices of the Soviet Union in defeating Nazi Germany. Both Russia and Ukraine suffered heavy losses during the war under Soviet rule.
The unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany took effect at 11:01 PM on May 8, 1945, and May 9 had already begun in Moscow according to local time. Russia refers to the war fought from 1941 to 1945 as the Great Patriotic War.
