Ukraine recently marked the “Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism in the Second World War” on May 8 for the first time, after officially changing the date of the holiday in 2023. This date aligns Ukraine with most European nations who celebrate Victory in Europe Day on May 8, marking Germany’s unconditional surrender. Previously, Ukraine celebrated Victory Day on May 9 until 2015 when the holiday was renamed the Day of Victory over Nazism in World War II by then-president Petro Poroshenko. President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law in 2023 to officially change the date to May 8, indicating a break from the Soviet-era holiday.
The historical memory of World War II has been weaponized by both Russia and Ukraine in the context of Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine. Victory Day in Russia is a highly militarized holiday aimed at demonstrating Russian military power. Zelensky, in marking the first celebration of the new holiday in Ukraine, drew parallels to World War II and referred to Russia as “Moscow Nazis.” Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry stated that “‘never again’ has become ‘again’ since Russia unleashed the war against Ukraine.” This framing of the conflict as a struggle against Nazism highlights the political tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
Media coverage has also drawn attention to the militaristic displays in Russia on Victory Day. Reports indicate that Russia set up displays of captured Western military hardware in Moscow, showcasing more than 30 Western-made armored vehicles, including a U.S. Abrams tank. This display of military equipment further emphasizes Russia’s military might and serves as a provocative gesture amidst ongoing conflicts and tensions in the region. The display of captured military hardware acts as a symbol of Russia’s strength and dominance in the face of international scrutiny.
The commemoration of World War II holds significant importance for Ukraine, as approximately 6 to 7 million Ukrainians, including about 1.5 million Ukrainian Jews, were killed during the war. Ukraine suffered greater losses as a percentage of its population compared to Russia, underscoring the deep impact of the war on the country. By changing the date of the holiday and aligning it with European nations, Ukraine aims to break away from its Soviet past and assert its own historical narrative. The weaponization of World War II memory by both Russia and Ukraine reflects the ongoing tensions and conflicts in the region.
As Ukraine continues to commemorate its history of World War II, the country seeks to unite with the free world against perceived threats, particularly from Russia. President Zelensky’s statements likening Russia to Nazis and calling for action from the international community highlight the urgency and gravity of the current situation. By framing the conflict as a continuation of the struggle against Nazism, Ukraine positions itself as a beacon of resistance against aggression and injustice. The evolving narratives surrounding Victory Day and the remembrance of World War II underscore the complexities of historical memory and its impact on present-day geopolitics.
