Victory Day in Ukraine

Ukraine Victory Day: May 9

Victory Day is a public holiday in Ukraine.

Like most other former constituent republics of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), Ukraine celebrates the victory of the Allied Forces against Nazi Germany and the end of World War II every year on the 9th of May. The holiday is called Victory Day.

The observance of Victory Day is carried annually out to pay respects to the victims and fallen heroes of the war and to honor the surviving veterans.

History of Ukraine Victory Day
Ukraine paid a big price in its participation to end the horror of World War II and cease the aggression of Nazi Germany so that before the end of the war, more than 10 million Ukraine members of military and civilians died.

The instrument of surrender was initially signed in Reims, France but was considered preliminary based on the recommendations of Joseph Stalin, the leader of the Soviet Union during the war. A second ceremony took place in Berlin on May 8 (May 9 in Russia) to mark the surrender of the German army to the allied forces. The change in date is due to difference in time zones of Europe and Eurasia, hence, the celebration of Victory Day on May 9.

As a member of then USSR, Ukraine recognized May 9 as the official end of WWII and celebrated its anniversary a year after. It has been a non-working holiday since then.

Ukraine Victory Day: Traditions, Customs and Activities

The celebration of Victory Day includes naval and military army parade. Land parade includes the veterans and their loved ones with contingents coming from other sectors of Ukrainian society. At night, the dark sky in Kiev, the country’s capital, light up from fireworks activity.

The president of Ukraine also delivers key messages to address the pressing issues surrounding Ukraine society especially on the lasting effects of World War II in the country and those involved in the fight to defeat the Nazis during the war.