Day of Remembrance and Reconciliation

Today, May 8, is the Day of Remembrance and Reconciliation in Ukraine and the world. On this day, we honor the memory of all those who died during the Second World War (1939 – 1945).

This is an important day for everyone, which is characterized by strong symbolism. Memory means that we remember those who laid down their lives between 1939 and 1945. Reconciliation is a symbol of the fact that all countries must unite together.

Today, we bow our heads to all those who defended their native Ukrainian land from Nazism, defended the world, to all those who died during the Second World War. Veterans who opposed Nazis, underground fighters, prisoners of war, ostarbeiters, concentration camp prisoners, children of war, civilians and everyone who suffered from the Nazi occupation.

World War II ended through the efforts of diplomacy, but it was won by brave soldiers and weapons.

Today, when Russia attacked Ukraine without declaring war and is carrying out illegal aggression condemned by the whole world, we have not just the right to nationwide armed resistance but also the support of the whole world. Ukrainians are defending Europe with weapons in their hands and giving a chance to create a new, more equitable security system. But the condition for this is victory over Russia, restoration of the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the impossibility of future Russian aggression against anyone on the planet.

Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the heroes!