Throughout history, the pivotal role of Ukrainians in the victory over fascism during the Second World War stands as a testament to their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to freedom. Ukrainians fought on the side of the anti-Hitler coalition, both within the ranks of the Red Army and among the armies of Western allies and underground resistance movements. Their contributions were instrumental in securing victory over Nazism, a victory achieved at an extraordinary cost: between 10 to 14 million Ukrainian lives laid down on the altar of the struggle against tyranny.
Today, echoes of that historic struggle reverberate as Ukraine confronts another aggressor. However, the adversary is now Putin’s Russia, seeking to dismantle Ukrainian independence and undermine the international security system. The successor to the totalitarian communist regime of the Soviet Union, Russia swiftly transformed into a dictatorship following constitutional changes in 2020, effectively allowing Putin to remain in power until 2036, if not indefinitely. Since then, Russia has rapidly evolved from autocracy to dictatorship.
For years, the remembrance of the victims of the Second World War and the celebration of victory over Nazism have been guided by the motto “Never Again.” Yet, this year, Europe commemorates these events amidst the backdrop of the continent’s largest military conflict since the end of World War II, with the looming spectre of a new global war becoming an objective reality.
Russia’s unprovoked military aggression against Ukraine is accompanied by numerous war crimes perpetrated by the Russian army and military-political leadership, reminiscent of and sometimes surpassing the atrocities committed by the Nazis. Despite this, Russia systematically devalues, distorts, and manipulates the moral legacy of the participants of the Second World War and the victory over Nazism, with these cynical actions reaching a peak on the eve of May 9th.
Today, amidst the full-scale Russo-Ukrainian war, history repeats itself — Russians have already committed a vast number of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The actions of the Russian armed forces exhibit all the hallmarks of the barbarity associated with the Nazis of the Third Reich.
Just as during the Second World War, Ukrainians today stand as guardians of Europe against encroaching aggressors.
The Russian army threatens to unleash genocide upon Europeans if it is not defeated in Ukraine. This chilling prospect underscores the urgent need for decisive action to thwart Putin’s aggression and protect the sovereignty of Ukraine and the stability of Europe.
As the world commemorates Victory Day, it must not forget the ongoing struggle for freedom and democracy being waged by Ukraine against Putin’s tyranny. The civilised world must stand united in support of Ukraine, ensuring that May 9th remains a day of remembrance for the triumph of good over evil, rather than a symbol of Putin’s insidious ambitions. Failure to do so would not only betray the memory of those who fought and died for freedom but also embolden Putin to further destabilise the international order and threaten the peace and security of Europe.
