Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has signed a bill approved by lawmakers last month to set May 8 as the Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism in World War II, instead of the Soviet-inherited celebrations of Victory Day on May 9. Most European countries celebrate Victory in Europe Day on May 8 to mark the anniversary of Nazi Germany's defeat in 1945. The day was celebrated on May 9 in the Soviet Union because the surrender treaty was signed late at night on May 8 in Berlin, but because of time zones it was already May 9 further east. May 9 will be a working day in Ukraine but marked as the Day of Europe.
Zelenskiy Signs Decree On Moving Victory Day From May 9 To May 8
A Ukrainian soldier lays flowers at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier during Victory Day in Kyiv on May 9, 2022.