On May 8, Ukraine Commemorates the Day of Remembrance and Reconciliation, Honoring Those Who Died in World War II (1939–1945).

On the Day of Remembrance and Reconciliation, Ukraine bows its head before the fallen, expressing deep respect and gratitude to all those who fought against Nazism, immortalizing the memory of fallen soldiers and millions of innocent victims of the bloodiest and most brutal war in human history.

During World War II, the entire territory of Ukraine became a battleground for fierce fighting. Over the years of the war, about 7 million Ukrainians were mobilized into the ranks of the Red Army. Every second of them died, and of those who survived, every second returned disabled.

Ukrainians made a significant contribution to the victory over Nazism — they demonstrated heroism, courage, and self-sacrifice on all fronts and in many armies of the Anti-Hitler Coalition. Almost all enterprises in Ukraine were redirected to meet defense needs. Ukrainian land became a place of fierce battles, bitter suffering, and unyielding resistance.

In this struggle, we lost over eight million Ukrainians and representatives of other nationalities who lived on our land. Overall, World War II claimed the lives of between 50 and 85 million people worldwide.

Victory over Nazism was achieved thanks to an incredible strength of spirit, unity, self-sacrifice, and the mobilization of peoples united by a common goal — to defeat evil.

The memory of the war should teach us to value peace, to defend it uncompromisingly, and to foster courage and determination in the fight against the enemy.

Today, we are once again engaged in battle — this time against the Russian version of Nazism — rashism. Ukrainians, holding the defense with weapons in hand, protect not only their land but the entire civilized world from the aggressor.

May only a peaceful and bright future prevail in our country. Glory to Ukraine! — Glory to the Heroes!