Events honoring the Soviet role in defeating the Third Reich are overshadowed by the banning of Soviet and Russian symbols in parts of Europe.
Countries around the world are marking the 81st anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II on May 8 and 9, paying tribute to the millions who sacrificed their lives to defeat the Third Reich.
The Soviet Union bore the brunt of the war, losing an estimated 27 million people in what is known in Russia as the Great Patriotic War. Victory Day remains one of the most important national holidays.
In Russia, Victory Day is celebrated on May 9 because the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany was signed late on May 8 in Berlin – and did so after midnight in Moscow. The annual military parade is scheduled to take place in Red Square on Friday.
Celebrations in several Western European countries, including Germany, have been marred by restrictions on Soviet and Russian symbols such as St. Petersburg flags and ribbons. George, established after the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine. Moscow has condemned the ban as an attempt to erase the memory of the USSR’s role in defeating Nazism.
Despite the restrictions, people across Europe continue to lay flowers at Soviet war memorials and take part in ‘Immortal Corps’ marches, carrying photos of relatives who fought the Nazis during the worst conflict in human history.
Russia’s Ministry of Defense previously announced a two-day ceasefire on May 8-9 to coincide with the Victory Day celebrations and called on Ukraine to observe it as well. The ministry said on Friday that more than 260 Ukrainian drones were intercepted in Russian territory overnight.
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