Victory Day, globally observed on May 9, has recently been mired in controversies and geopolitical tensions. The US President, Donald Trump, asserted the pivotal role of the United States in World War II's victory, highlighting the nation's historical contributions. Meanwhile, in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a so-called "ceasefire" during the V-Day celebrations, inviting foreign leaders despite international backlash. The presence of Chinese President Xi Jinping, amidst Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's objections, exemplifies the complicated diplomatic ties. Moreover, European leaders like Poland's Donald Tusk have urged against participation in the Moscow parade, reflecting the wider geopolitical divide over Russia's actions in Ukraine. Putin's attempt to shift the narrative of V-Day to support his policies has been met with resistance, spotlighting global power dynamics on this historic day.
Why does Donald Trump emphasize US contributions on Victory Day?
Former President Donald Trump highlights the United States' significant contributions to the victory in World War II to reinforce the nation's historical influence and role in shaping global outcomes. This assertion is part of a broader narrative to bolster national pride and legacy during Victory Day commemorations.
What is the significance of the Moscow Victory Day parade?
The Moscow Victory Day parade is a significant event commemorating the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. It serves as a display of Russian military might and a platform for political messaging, often involving invitees from various nations, thereby influencing international relations and highlighting ongoing conflicts such as the war in Ukraine.
Why are European leaders advised against attending the Moscow parade?
European leaders are advised against attending the Moscow Victory Day parade due to Russia's controversial actions in Ukraine. Attendance might be seen as endorsing or legitimizing Russia's military aggression, thus conflicting with EU stances on human rights and sovereignty, especially amid calls for unity against such actions.
What role does Ukraine play in the Victory Day controversy?
Ukraine plays a central role in the Victory Day controversy as its leadership, including President Zelenskyy, actively opposes the narratives promoted by Russia regarding the war and its historical parallels. The Ukrainian government challenges events that may overshadow ongoing conflicts and humanitarian issues within its borders, seeking international support and clarity on the distinction between historical commemoration and present-day aggression.
How has Russia's war impacted global perceptions of Victory Day?
Russia's ongoing conflict in Ukraine has significantly altered global perceptions of Victory Day, with many viewing Russia's commemorative practices as politically charged and incongruent with the day's traditional themes of peace and reconciliation. The war intensifies scrutiny on Russia's portrayal of historical events, complicating international engagement with the celebrations and leading to calls for diplomatic caution and rejection of state narratives inconsistent with global peace efforts.
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US will stand united with Europe on behalf of our common values - Obama President Obama honored the 70th anniversary of Victory Day. 46 054 1 166
Terrorists disguised as Ukrainian troops are planning to attack peaceful rally in Donetsk on May 9 - Presidential Administration The "DPR" and "LPR" terrorists are preparing a large-scale bloody provocation May 9. They are going to fire at a peaceful rally in Donetsk to create a pretext for a major offensive near Shyrokyne, Pisky, and Stanytsia Luhanska villages. 93 563 944 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine
Russia would not have won WW2 without Ukraine - Poroshenko President Petro Poroshenko said in his speech at the solemn session of Verkhovna Rada dedicated to the 70th anniversary of Victory over Nazism in Europe. 85 561 936
We will never celebrate May 9 under Russian scenario again - Poroshenko Ukraine will never celebrate Victory Day under the Russian scenario again, because it provides for the cold-blooded use of the holiday for an apology to the expansionist policy regarding neighbors aimed at keeping them in the sphere of one's influence and restoration of empire. 127 671 858
'Immortal Regiment' participants in Moscow threw away portraits of WWII soldiers. PHOTOS Participants of the 'Immortal Regiment' march in Moscow, commemorating soldiers who participated in the World War II, threw away portraits of their 'grandfathers' right after the event. 227 666 850
It is not necessary to explain what occupation of the Sudetenland is, for we have Donetsk and Luhansk - Poroshenko. VIDEO President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko declared in a speech at the solemn session of Verkhovna Rada. 53 241 658
Ukraine will try to return temporarily occupied territories in political and diplomatic manner, Poroshenko says President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko took part in the “First Minute of Peace” rally on the occasion of the Day of Remembrance and Reconciliation. 65 198 547
Kyiv is celebrating Victory Day.LIVE Victory Day is being celebrated today with new symbols - red carnations and red poppies. 52 327 451
Russian-language videos for Victory Day on Ukrainian TV: "We Remember! We Are Proud! We Will Be Victorious!". VIDEO Several promotional videos dedicated to May 9 campaign have been filmed at the order of the Information Resistance group, with the assistance of the National Guard and the National Museum of Military History. 78 161 439 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine War
Immortal Regiment march in Kyiv attacked with paint and smoke by OUN activists. PHOTOS Participants in the Immortal Regiment walk, journalists and patrol officers got showered with eggs, potatoes, paintballs and smoke flares as they were marching past the OUN (Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists) office in downtown Kyiv. 147 214 419
No military parade to be held in Kyiv on May 9 The Kyiv City State Administration (KSCA) does not intend to hold a parade on the occasion of Victory Day on May 9th. 37 692 345
Dnipro court orders 60-day arrest of Victory Day attacker, - Minister Avakov. PHOTOS Interior Minister Arsen Avakov says one of the participants in the attack on anti-terrorist operation (ATO) veterans on Victory Day in Dnipro city has been sent into custody for two months. 144 640 334
Obama does not intend to visit the Russian Federation, despite invitation - White House U.S. President Barack Obama declined the invitation to come to Russia for the celebrations dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the Victory in the World War II. 48 220 330
Motherland Monument in Kyiv again crowned by chaplet of red poppies. PHOTOS Just like a year ago, the Motherland Monument in National Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II in Kyiv has been crowned by a chaplet of red poppies again. It symbolizes the Days of Remembrance and Reconciliation for those who lost their lives during World War II for all Europeans. 90 515 322
"1939-1945. We remember. We prevail": V-Day celebration ceremonies took place in Ukrainian cities. PHOTOS + VIDEO On Monday, May 9, celebrations of the Victory Day over Nazism in WWII took place in Ukrainian cities. 45 943 322
Ukraine celebrates Day of Victory over Nazism in World War II On Tuesday, May 9, Ukraine marks the 72nd anniversary of the victory over Nazism in the Second World War. 34 169 315
Eight paid protesters detained on charges of May 9 clashes, - Lutsenko The pro-Kremlin march in Dnipro became possible due to the failure of local patriotic organizations and parties to take part in the celebration of Victory Day. 100 354 314
"We say: "Never again”. They say: "We can repeat," - Poroshenko on Day of Victory over Nazism. PHOTOS Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko says Russia celebrates the Victory Day in a militaristic passion, having bristled up against the whole world, while Ukrainians, together with the whole Europe, commemorate the deceased. 85 125 312
Three more "Vilkul’s eagles" aprehended and put in custody in Dnipro City, - Avakov. PHOTOS The court ruled to take into custody three individuals charged with beating anti-terrorist operation (ATO) veterans in Dnipro City on Victory Day. 188 451 286
Participants of May 8-9 events must stay cool and refrain from St. George's ribbons, - Shkiriak Interior Ministry advisor Zorian Shkiriak urges participants of May 8-9 events to keep a cool mind and refrain from wearing black and orange stripes - a recognized military symbol in Russia. 41 351 286
"Immortal Regiment walk is an example of sophisticated political speculation on people's feelings," - Poroshenko President Petro Poroshenko believes the Moscow-designed Bezsmertny Polk (Immortal Regiment) march is a speculation on the feelings of people. 51 477 274
Zelenskyi commemorates victims of World War II on Ukraine-Russia border. PHOTOS President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi arrived on a working trip to Luhansk region and paid tribute to the victims of World War II in the town of Milove divided by Ukraine-Russia border. 35 685 270
One of hired thugs apprehended after VDay turmoil in Dnipro City released on bail One of the individuals arrested in Dnipro City for involvement in riots on May 9 was released after posting 128,000 hryvnia (about $4,900) in bail. 63 167 224
Ukrainians mark Day of Remembrance and Reconciliation. VIDEO On May 8, Ukraine honors the memory of Second World War victims. 40 642 218
Ukraine representatives will not attend Putin's Victory Day parade on May 9 - Foreign Ministry Ukrainian representatives will not participate in events dedicated to Victory Day in May in Moscow. 14 868 198
Internal probe launched into police actions in Dnipro. VIDEO The chief of the Dnipropetrovsk regional police department has ordered an internal investigation into police actions during mass events on the Day of Victory over Nazism in World War II. 64 894 178
No gross violations of public order recorded in Ukraine during mass rallies dedicated to V-Day, - National Police About 25,000 members of several agencies, including the police, the National Guard, and the State Emergency Service are involved in public order protection across the country. 7 543 159
Prosecutors interview Opposition Bloc MP Vilkul as witness in turmoil in Dnipro City on May 9 The Dnipropetrovsk region prosecutors are interviewing Opposition Bloc MP Oleksandr Vilkul as a witness in the clashes in Dnipro City on May 9. 30 652 155
Another 15 people involved in May 9 clashes in Dnipro identified, - Regional Police Deputy Chief Hroz The police have identified 15 more people purportedly involved in clashes during May 9 memorial events in Dnipro. 80 520 154
Putin announced so-called "ceasefire" on Victory Day Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has declared a so-called "truce" on the days of the 80th anniversary of the Victory Day. 16 095 150 Previously in trend: Putin announced Easter truce
We will not give away piece of our land or history. Very soon there will be two Victory Days in Ukraine, and someone will have none left, - Zelenskyi. VIDEO President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi addressed Ukrainians on the occasion of the Day of Victory over Nazism in World War II. 10 712 132 Previously in trend: War
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Chinese Foreign Ministry says Xi Jinping will go to Moscow despite Zelenskyy’s statement Chinese President Xi Jinping is planning a four-day visit to Moscow, during which he will attend a parade in the center of the Russian capital. 12 690 124 Previously in trend: 9th May in Russia
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Another suspect in May 9 clashes in Dnipro detained, - Sarhan. PHOTO The prosecutor's office will request his arrest as pretrial measure. 79 830 107
Armed Forces of Ukraine are the first army in world. Defeated Nazism - we will defeat racism! - Zaluzhnyi. VIDEO A bloody insidious war is currently raging in central Europe. 21 690 103 Previously in trend: War
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Victory was won largely thanks to us, - Trump on US participation in World War II US President Donald Trump believes that the United States made the greatest contribution to the victory in World War II. 5 270 87 Previously in trend: Victory Day in Second World War in US
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Ukraine cannot guarantee other countries security at parade in Moscow - Zelenskyy Ukraine cannot be held responsible for what will happen in Russia on May 9, the day of the parade to which Moscow has invited foreign guests. 16 093 79 Previously in trend: 9th May in Russia
45 people detained in Victory Day events across Ukraine, - Interior Ministry The police have detained 45 people during May 9 commemorative events in Ukraine. 7 617 78
Fico is outraged by Zelenskyy’s statement about parade in Moscow and says he will go there anyway Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was outraged by yesterday's statement by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy regarding the visit of foreign leaders to Moscow for the parade and accused him of disrespecting Russia. 10 027 76 Previously in trend: 9th May in Russia Fico is going to Moscow on 9th May
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Police apprehended seven people for public order violation in Dnipropetrovsk The police have detained seven participants of rallies held in Dnipropetrovsk on Monday on suspicion of public order offense. 18 164 71
OSCE's Hug: Use of hardware at May 9 "military parade" in Luhansk violates Minsk accords The use of heavy military equipment by militants at a "military parade" on May 9, 2017 in occupied Luhansk is in violation of the Minsk agreements. 14 239 71 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas
Russian ambassador to Poland Andreev was covered in red paint and presented with women's panties. VIDEO Russian Ambassador to Poland Sergei Andreev during an attempt to lay a wreath at the cemetery of the Soviet military in Warsaw was covered with red paint and gave him women's panties 29 373 64
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