Victory Day over Nazism in World War II

Following the 2014 Revolution of Dignity and the onset of Russian aggression, Ukraine sought to distance itself from Soviet traditions. In 2015, President Petro Poroshenko signed a law renaming the holiday from 'Victory Day' (May 9) to 'Victory Day over Nazism in World War II' and moved the official observance to May 8. This change aligned Ukraine with European nations that commemorate the end of World War II on May 8, when Nazi Germany surrendered to the Allies in 1945. The shift also replaced Soviet symbols, such as the St. George ribbon, with the red poppy (a common remembrance symbol in the UK and Commonwealth). The date change and rebranding were part of Ukraine's broader decommunization efforts, which dismantled Soviet-era monuments and place names. The holiday was further recontextualized after Russia's 2014 invasion and subsequent full-scale war in 2022, emphasizing the contrast between Ukraine's democratic values and Russian imperialism.

On May 8, Ukrainians attend official ceremonies, lay flowers at war memorials, and participate in commemorative events. A key symbol is the red poppy, which people wear on their lapels, similar to Remembrance Day in Western countries. The day often begins with a moment of silence at 10:00 AM. Many people visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Kyiv or local monuments to honor fallen soldiers. In recent years, the tradition of the 'Immortal Regiment' march, where people carry photos of relatives who fought in WWII, has been replaced by events that also honor contemporary war dead. Families may gather for quiet reflection, but public celebrations are subdued compared to the Soviet-era May 9 parades. Since 2022, the holiday has taken on additional significance as Ukraine fights against Russian aggression, and ceremonies often include tributes to soldiers killed in the Russo-Ukrainian War.

Victory Day over Nazism reminds Ukraine of the immense sacrifices made during World War II, when an estimated 8–10 million Ukrainians died. It is a day to honor the memory of those who fought against Nazi tyranny and to reaffirm Ukraine's commitment to European values of democracy and human rights. The holiday also serves to differentiate Ukraine from Russia, which continues to celebrate May 9 with Soviet-era pomp and militaristic rhetoric. For modern Ukraine, it symbolizes the struggle for independence and the rejection of totalitarianism, both Nazi and Soviet, and stands as a testament to the nation's resilience in the face of ongoing Russian aggression.