This week, both Russia and Ukraine commemorate the end of World War II 78 years ago. Ukrainian President Zelensky wants to make the victory over Nazi Germany an annual commemoration. This has great symbolic significance, thinks BNR foreign commentator Bernard Hammelburg.
Ukraine, like Russia and many other former Soviet states, still celebrates Victory Day on May 9. Due to the time difference, the final surrender of the Nazis took place on a different date than in Western Europe.
Peace and unity
In recent years, Ukraine has paid attention to the end of the war on both days. Now Zelensky wants to officially celebrate Europe Day on May 9, a day in which peace and the unity of Europe are central.
‘What Zelensky now rightly and implicitly says is that Ukraine defeated the Nazis at that time. At that time, the Soviet military consisted mainly of Ukrainians,” says Hammelburg. “So there is a lot to be said for introducing such a national day of remembrance.” ‘Ukraine on the Nazis plays a role here.
The Russian commemoration of the victory over Nazi Germany is usually accompanied by large parades. For tomorrow, however, a more subdued commemoration is planned. “Putin wants to send a signal that his country is in trouble,” says Hammelburg. ‘Throwing money at an expensive parade is not a good idea. But something must be done for the most important national holiday.
Bachmoth
That “something” could also be a breakthrough in Bach’s battle, Hammelburg thinks. “We’ve been talking about it for eight months, but now a lot is happening. Wagner’s boss Prigozhin has withdrawn his criticisms and says he wants to leave Bachmut before May 10. He might want to deliver the coup de grace tomorrow.’
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Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
