Zelensky Proposes May 9 to Be Commemorated as Europe Day Instead of Victory Day

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, has submitted a draft law to the Verkhovna Rada proposing that May 9 be designated as Europe Day. Zelensky's statement was published on his official website.

He stated that today, “just like 80 years ago, Ukraine is fighting against all evil for the future—both for itself and for all of Europe.”

“On May 9, together with the entire free Europe, we will celebrate Europe Day in Ukraine. A united Europe that should be based on peace. Our Europe, of which Ukraine has always been a part, exists and will continue to exist,” Zelensky emphasized.

Since 2015, May 8 has been observed in Ukraine as Remembrance and Reconciliation Day as an alternative to Victory Day. This holiday's establishment coincided with the adoption of a law on decommunization.

Since 2017, May 9 is also commemorated as Europe Day in Moldova. In Georgia, Europe Day is celebrated on May 6.

Following Ukraine, former Soviet countries have altered their stance regarding Victory Day and its symbols. Consequently, in Moldova, Latvia, Lithuania, and Georgia, the St. George's ribbon is legally banned.