In 2024, Ukraine celebrates May 8 for the first time as the Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism in World War II of 1939-1945. This happened as part of the European tradition of honoring this date, which for Europe is a symbol of the end of the war, the victory over Nazi evil, and the memory of the terrible consequences of the conflict. It is important to note that this is not only a celebration of the victory of some nations over others, but also a reminder of the tragedy of war, which should inspire us to value peace and fight against any aggression and injustice.
On this day, Ukraine will honor all those who stood in the way of Nazism, including civilians who suffered from the war and those who fought against the occupiers. The Second World War covered a large part of the world, claiming between 50 and 85 million lives. Ukraine, not having an independent state, heroically participated in this conflict, making a significant contribution to the victory over Nazism. Unfortunately, Ukrainians lost about 8 million people in the war, and their land became the site of massive battles and fierce resistance.
Both totalitarian regimes, Nazism and Communism, committed heinous crimes against humanity during the occupation of Ukraine. The modern world must take these historical lessons into account to ensure peace and security in the future.
In particular, Ukrainians made a significant contribution to the victory over Nazism and, together with the allies of Hitler’s Germany, overcame the threat of fascism. Millions of Ukrainians resisted Nazi aggression as part of various armies around the world, as well as in underground and insurgent structures. Almost all Ukrainian enterprises switched to defense needs, and the land became the scene of important battles and resistance.
Ukraine, having no statehood of its own at the beginning of the war, was divided between several countries. The Nazis and Communists, thinking only of their own goals, used the “Ukrainian question” and Ukrainians’ desire for independence as tools in their own geopolitical game.
The Second World War lasted six years and ended due to the incredible efforts of dozens of states and hundreds of peoples who united in the fight against evil. Ukrainians from all over the former Soviet Union made an important contribution to this victory. Today, standing once again in defense of their country, they are the guarantors of its future and stability in Europe.
