On May 8, Ukraine marked Victory Day, reflecting on the sacrifices made during World War II as President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation. In his remarks, he drew parallels between the past and the current conflict, emphasizing the need to confront what he described as a new form of totalitarianism.
President Zelensky highlighted the significant contributions of Ukrainians in the fight against Nazi Germany, noting that millions served in various armies, contributing to the defeat of fascism. He stated, “Unfortunately, 81 years later, we are again compelled to stop evil—this time a total evil that brings nothing but destruction and suffering, rooted in a similar ideology of hatred.” He referred to this contemporary threat as a “renewed version of Nazism” marked by the label “made in Russia.”
In his address, Zelensky expressed gratitude to those resisting Russian aggression, stating, “Defending the lives of people and the freedom of nations from Putin is a worthy tribute to those who did not allow Hitler to conquer Europe and the world.”
Victory Day commemorates the end of World War II in Europe and is observed annually on May 8. The day serves as a reminder of the immense toll the conflict took on Ukraine, which saw approximately 7 million individuals mobilized into the Red Army during the war. Tragically, half of those mobilized did not survive, and many of the survivors returned with disabilities.
Ukrainians also fought alongside various Allied forces, including 120,000 in the Polish Army, 80,000 in the U.S. Army, and 45,000 in the Canadian Army, among others. Hundreds of thousands participated in partisan and resistance movements. Notably, seven Ukrainians held command positions in front-line units, and over 200 achieved the rank of general. More than 2,000 Ukrainians were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for their bravery.
During the war, one-third of the Red Army’s personnel in 1944 were from Ukraine, with Ukrainian soldiers making up 60-80% of the infantry in the 1st to 4th Ukrainian Fronts. The human cost of the conflict on Ukrainian territory is estimated at 8 to 10 million lives, including both military and civilian casualties. The war resulted in the destruction of nearly 700 cities and 28,000 villages, alongside the relocation of 550 industrial enterprises and countless historical artifacts.
Overall, Ukraine suffered material losses amounting to over 45% of the total damage incurred by the Soviet Union during World War II.
Ukraine commemorated Victory Day on May 8, with President Zelensky drawing parallels between World War II and the current conflict with Russia. He emphasized the historical sacrifices of Ukrainians in the fight against Nazism and reiterated the importance of resisting contemporary aggression.