On May 8, Ukraine marks the Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism in World War II, a date that serves as a profound reminder of the historical sacrifices made by the Ukrainian people, as stated by President Volodymyr Zelensky. History confirms that Ukraine’s contribution to the defeat of Nazi Germany was one of the most significant among all nations. Millions of Ukrainians fought within the ranks of the Anti-Hitler Coalition, determined to see total evil defeated. Yet, 81 years later, the world is witnessing the emergence of a new, updated version of this evil, branded as “made in Russia.”
The current aggression against Ukraine is rooted in a familiar ideology of hatred, destruction, and systematic oppression. President Zelensky emphasized that this “total evil” must be confronted by a united, free world. He noted that protecting human lives and the sovereignty of nations from the current Kremlin regime is the ultimate act of honor for those who fought to prevent Hitler from conquering Europe in the previous century. The struggle for freedom remains a common thread linking the past to the present, as Ukraine refuses to let the Russian regime dictate the future of global security.
In his address, the Ukrainian leader expressed deep gratitude to all nations and individuals who support Ukraine in this existential fight. By safeguarding freedom, Ukraine acts as a shield for democratic values that were once defended by the generation that liberated the world from the Nazi plague. The ongoing review of Ukraine’s national holiday calendar serves to synchronize the nation’s historical memory with the European community, effectively distancing the country from Soviet-era legacies. As the world remembers the horrors of the 1940s, the present-day conflict underscores a critical truth: the fight against totalitarianism requires unwavering resolve and international unity to ensure that peace and justice prevail over aggression.