Ukraine Calls for International Boycott of Russia’s Victory Day Parade, Citing Historical Distortion.
As Russia prepares for its annual Victory Day celebrations on May 9, 2025, Ukraine has issued a strong appeal to the international community to boycott the event, accusing the Kremlin of manipulating historical memory to justify its ongoing war against Ukraine.
In a formal statement released by the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on May 6, Kyiv condemned the Russian government’s portrayal of the 1945 victory over Nazi Germany, stating that Russia is “misusing the legacy of World War II to legitimize modern-day aggression.” The statement added, “These commemorations no longer represent peace or liberation, but serve as a platform for glorifying military force and whitewashing the Kremlin’s crimes in Ukraine.”
Victory Day, celebrated on May 9, has long been a cornerstone of Russia’s national identity, featuring military parades and tributes to the Soviet Union’s wartime sacrifices. However, Ukrainian officials argue that under President Vladimir Putin’s leadership, the day has been politicized, turning a remembrance of global unity against fascism into a nationalist spectacle.
Ukraine has urged leaders from democratic countries not to attend the parade in Moscow’s Red Square, warning that their presence would be seen as tacit approval of Russia’s actions. Kyiv is instead planning its own commemorations on May 8, in line with Victory in Europe Day observed by many Western nations, to honor those who fought in WWII without promoting modern-day militarism.
International response to Ukraine’s call has been mixed, with some European nations expressing support for the boycott. As tensions persist, Ukraine’s message remains clear: history must not be rewritten to serve the ambitions of modern autocracies.
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