Zelensky proposed declaring May 8 a Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism in Ukraine

Baku/09.05.23/Turan: In a speech on the Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commemorated the millions of lives lost during the six years of the Second World War, including 8 million Ukrainians.

He stressed the importance of unity in opposing evil, just as different nations joined forces in the anti-Hitler coalition.

Zelenskyy proposed that May 8 be designated as the Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism in Ukraine, to honor the contribution of the Ukrainian people to the defeat of the Nazis and to prevent the erasure of their role in history.

Zelenskyy drew parallels between the past and present, as he highlighted the resurgence of aggression and annexation, occupation and deportation, mass murder and torture, and the bombing of cities and burning of villages, this time by another aggressor: modern Russia. However, he expressed confidence that just as the anti-Hitler coalition succeeded in defeating Nazism, Ukraine and the free world would prevail over "ruscism" (Russian fascism).

Zelenskyy also announced the signing of a decree designating May 8 as the Day of Europe in Ukraine, a day to celebrate the unity of all Europeans who destroyed Nazism and who are now fighting against modern-day evil together.

He thanked the states and people who have supported Ukraine during its nine years of aggression and 439 days of full-scale invasion, and who are helping Ukraine fight on all fronts.

Zelenskyy emphasized that the victory over modern-day evil would be joint and that every state and nation that has joined Ukraine in its struggle for freedom would be remembered.

He expressed hope that the victory would come soon, and that it would be a holiday for all of Ukraine, for all of Europe, and for the entire free world. Zelenskyy concluded his speech with the phrase, "Glory to Ukraine!"