This Tuesday, Russia is celebrating the anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in 1945. As in the previous year, the celebrations will be overshadowed by the war of aggression against Ukraine. There is also a fight over the sovereignty of interpreting this event.
The Kremlin justifies its war of aggression as repelling a Western threat and a supposedly Nazi regime in Kiev. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on the other hand, equates the defense of Ukraine with the fight against Nazi Germany in World War II. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected in Kiev this Tuesday to celebrate Europe Day.
Zelenskyy said in his daily video address on Monday evening: “Today, May 8th, when the world remembers the words ‘Never again!’ remembered, in Ukraine we give meaning to these words.” It is not only about remembering, but also about protecting one’s values and defeating aggressors. “Ukrainians’ successes in defending against Russian aggression are clearly an antidote to other aggressions,” said Zelenskyy. The world can see how a free people protect themselves from conquerors. “If we can do it, others can too.” On May 8th, the end of the Second World War is commemorated in Europe every year.
In view of the forthcoming victory parade in Moscow, Zelenskyj’s speech is likely to be directed against Russian propaganda. This claims for the Kremlin the monopoly on the victory against Hitler’s Germany in the Second World War and glorifies its own war of aggression against the Ukraine as a continuation of the Soviet defensive struggle.
Inspector General: Support for Ukraine “in the forefront
The Inspector General of the German Armed Forces, Carsten Breuer, gives priority to continued military support to Ukraine in defense against the Russian attackers. “The fight to the death justifies restrictions in training and material availability with us. Supporting the brave Ukrainian armed forces in the fight against the Russian aggressor is our top priority,” the highest-ranking German soldier told the German Press Agency after a visit to the Ukrainian capital Kiev. The general reiterated: “Ukraine is fighting for all of us.”
Breuer was in Ukraine last week and met with army chief Valeriy Zalushny and Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov. According to the statement, Resnikov thanked the Germans for the weapons they had received so far, including modern anti-aircraft systems, self-propelled howitzers and the Leopard 2 main battle tank.
Russian occupation chief: Rain delays start of Kiev offensive
According to the Russian occupation authorities in southern Ukraine, rainfall is delaying the start of Kiev’s expected offensive. “Unstable wet weather has set in again. The ground has to be ten to twelve centimeters dry so that the technology can roll over it,” said the head of administration of the Moscow-controlled part of Zaporizhia, Yevgeny Balitsky, on Russian television on Monday. Nevertheless, the counter-offensive could “start at any moment”.
On Friday, the Russian administration began evacuating towns near the front in the Zaporizhia region. The city of Enerhodar, where the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant is located, is also affected. Balizki spoke of a temporary resettlement of residents for the safety of the population.
Russian missile destroys Ukrainian Red Cross warehouse
At the same time, Russia is trying to disrupt the Ukrainians’ preparations for a counterattack with rocket and drone attacks. Again and again civilian targets are hit. A Russian rocket attack in the southern Ukrainian port city of Odessa destroyed a warehouse belonging to the Ukrainian Red Cross. “The fire destroyed all humanitarian supplies that were in the camp,” the organization said on Monday. According to prosecutors, one person was killed and three injured in the rocket attack on the warehouse of a food company.
Belarusian ruler arrives in Moscow for a working visit
Belarusian ruler Alexander Lukashenko arrived in Russia for an unannounced visit a day before the planned major military parade in Moscow. A video released by the Belarusian state news agency Belta showed the 68-year-old being received at Moscow Airport by Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov.
That will be important on Tuesday
While in Germany and elsewhere in Europe the end of the Second World War in Europe in 1945 was already being commemorated on Monday, Russia traditionally celebrates its Victory Day this Tuesday with a large military parade. In addition to Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin and Lukashenko, several other heads of state from the former Soviet republics also want to attend this year’s parade in Moscow.
Meanwhile, EU Commission President von der Leyen is expected to celebrate Europe Day in Kiev. According to a spokesman, the top German politician wants to meet Selenskyj and reaffirm the EU’s full support for Ukraine in its defensive struggle against Russia. (dpa)
