May 8, 2025 – The 80th Anniversary of the Victory over Nazism in Europe in World War II
On May 8, 2025, the world marks the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazism in Europe and observes the Day of Remembrance and Victory in World War II (1939–1945). Over a decade ago, Ukraine joined the European tradition of commemorating victory over Nazism not through celebration, but through solemn remembrance. This is how Ukrainian society now perceives May 8 – as a Day of Remembrance and Victory in World War II – with a focus on the human cost and the contributions of those who fought against Nazi tyranny.
While Russia continues to propagate myths about World War II, emphasizing its exclusive role, Ukraine chooses to honor the immense price of victory, to memorialize the fallen soldiers and civilian victims of the bloodiest war in human history.
Ukrainians made a significant contribution to the defeat of Nazism, demonstrating heroism, courage, and self-sacrifice on all fronts. Millions resisted with weapons in hand, while hundreds of thousands took part in underground and partisan movements. Nearly every industrial enterprise in Ukraine was converted to serve the war effort.
Ukrainian territory was one of the main theaters of war, the site of massive battles and fierce resistance. The front lines swept across Ukraine twice during the war. The scorched earth policy was implemented first by the retreating Soviet Red Army moving eastward, and later by the retreating forces of the Third Reich moving west. In this war, Ukraine lost over eight million lives, including both Ukrainians and representatives of other ethnic groups living on its land. Globally, World War II claimed between 60 and 85 million lives.
The war lasted six years. Victory over Nazism was achieved through extraordinary efforts – the full mobilization of resources, mutual support, societal consolidation, international solidarity, and the total reorganization of economic, political, and social life in pursuit of defeating evil. This legacy also emphasized adherence to international norms and the imperative to prevent future wars, genocides, and violations of human rights and freedoms.
Today, Ukrainians are once again defending their homeland with weapons in hand – and in doing so, they are also protecting all of Europe from Russian expansionism. They are giving the world a chance to build a more enduring peace and to forge a new, more just global security order. The essential conditions for this are Ukraine’s victory, the restoration of its territorial integrity, and the prevention of any future aggression by Russian imperialism against any nation on Earth.
Department of informational work,
Department of International Cooperation and Project Activities