Kyiv undermines its allies’ confidence in its counterattack

Ukraine abandons May 9 commemorations for secession from Russia

May 8 Memorial Day, “This is the story of our people, our allies, the free world. Today we give it back to our people.”Volodymyr Zelensky said in a video speech marking the end of World War II, fifteen months after the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the worst military conflict in Europe since 1945.

He said he would table a bill declaring May 8 in Parliament on Monday. “Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism in World War II”. Mr. Zelensky also signed a decree on his establishment “Europe Day” May 9.

Western countries mark the anniversary of the German surrender on May 8, but Moscow always keeps the date May 9 because of the difference in time zones. “Every year, starting tomorrow, May 9, we celebrate the unity of all Europeans who destroyed Nazism and defeated (Russia), and our historical unity.”The Ukrainian head of state continued. “Today, as 80 years ago, Ukraine is fighting against total evil”he added. “Today, 80 years ago, we believe in the collective strength of free peoples and we know that we will always be part of a free Europe that will not succumb to evil”.

The speech comes during May 8 world celebrations and is seen as a boost to Russian patriotic sentiment ahead of a major military parade in Moscow, which Vladimir Putin will take part in. Since 2015Ukrainian commemorations were not only on May 9, but also on May 8. “Day of Remembrance and Reconciliation”As a symbol of rapprochement with European heritage.

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In a Facebook post, Ukrainian Parliament He recalls that some fifteen years ago, Kiev began to move away from Soviet-style celebrations. “The Great Patriotic War”Still in practice in Moscow, gave way “World War II” In official speeches. This trend is reinforced “Sovietization” Formed by Kyiv after being annexed by Moscow in 2014, following a war against pro-Russian separatists in the east of the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea (southern).

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