Zelensky Angers Russia with Plan to Change Date of Victory in Europe Day

By Roger McKenzie
Global Research, May 10, 2023
Morning Star
Region: ,
Theme:
In-depth Report:

All Global Research articles can be read in 51 languages by activating the Translate Website button below the author’s name.

To receive Global Research’s Daily Newsletter (selected articles), click here.

Click the share button above to email/forward this article to your friends and colleagues. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter and subscribe to our Telegram Channel. Feel free to repost and share widely Global Research articles.

*** 

The annual Victory Day remembrance was marred by an announcement by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky today that his country intended to change the day that it celebrated the defeat of Nazi Germany.

The Soviet Union commemorated May 9 as Victory in Europe Day because, with time zone differences, that was the date the Nazi surrender was signed.

Russia has continued the tradition since the fall of the Soviet Union while western Europe marks the surrender on May 8.

The Soviet Union lost about 27 million troops and civilians during the war, by far the largest number of casualties of any nation in the conflict.

The attack by the Nazis in 1941 was the largest invasion in history and involved millions of troops.

The Red Army bore the brunt of vicious fighting in Europe for the next four years. After suffering severe hardship to the population, including the loss of more than half a million people at the brutal siege of Stalingrad, it managed to drive the Nazis back.

But Mr Zelensky said:

“Today I am submitting a Bill to the Verkhovna Rada [parliament] of Ukraine proposing that May 8 be the Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism in the Second World War of 1939-1945.”

Mr Zelensky said that Ukraine, like western European nations, would instead adopt May 9 as Europe Day, a celebration of “peace and unity in Europe.”

Russia’s Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Maria Zakharova attacked the move. Ms Zakharova said:

“What could be worse than an enemy? A traitor. This is Zelensky. The new incarnation of Judas in the 21st century.

She said:

“By cancelling Victory Day on May 9, he betrayed his ancestors once and for all.”

*

Note to readers: Please click the share button above. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter and subscribe to our Telegram Channel. Feel free to repost and share widely Global Research articles.
Articles by: Roger McKenzie

Disclaimer: The contents of this article are of sole responsibility of the author(s). The Centre for Research on Globalization will not be responsible for any inaccurate or incorrect statement in this article. The Centre of Research on Globalization grants permission to cross-post Global Research articles on community internet sites as long the source and copyright are acknowledged together with a hyperlink to the original Global Research article. For publication of Global Research articles in print or other forms including commercial internet sites, contact: [email protected]

www.globalresearch.ca contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available to our readers under the provisions of "fair use" in an effort to advance a better understanding of political, economic and social issues. The material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving it for research and educational purposes. If you wish to use copyrighted material for purposes other than "fair use" you must request permission from the copyright owner.

For media inquiries: [email protected]