Photo from UNIAN

On May 9, Ukraine marks the Day of the Victory over Nazism in World War II of 1939-1945 in a new way: without a military parade and ribbons of Saint George.

The memorable date was established by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on April 9, 2015, with the law on perpetuation of the victory over Nazism in the World War II of 1939-1945 voted for within the package of decommunisation laws.

Now, May 9 is celebrated as the Day of Victory over Nazism in World War II, instead of the established Soviet-era Day of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945. As is known, the term "Great Patriotic War" was used in the former USSR to emphasize that in the war of 1941-1945, the people defended the Soviet Union as common homeland.

Видео дня

Earlier, there were solemn military parades in Ukraine on May 9, which was necessarily accompanied by a display of military equipment. However, after Russia unleashed aggression against Ukraine in April 2014, this tradition became the past. In recent years, one can watch marches of military bands in Kyiv on May 9.

Read alsoUkraine marks Remembrance and Reconciliation Day on May 8

The use of Soviet symbols, like St. George ribbons, is now restricted in ceremonies honoring the memory of those who perished in World War II. Instead, the official symbol of the celebration of the victory over Nazism in World War II, just as on the Day of Remembrance and Reconciliation, is a red poppy – common around the world on remembrance days of WWII.

Ukraine used its own styling, developed by Kharkiv designer Serhiy Mishakin. The slogan of both days is "1939-1945. We Honor. We Prevail."

On May 9 and May 8, which is the Day of Remembrances and Reconciliation, Ukrainians lay flowers to the Monument to Eternal Glory and commemorate heroes of the Second World War. The younger generation communicates with war veterans.