The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, emphasized on the Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism in World War II that for the achievement of “victory of peace” in the Ukrainian war with Russia, the Russian Federation must radically change. Otherwise, the whole world will have to change. He stated this in his address delivered on May 8, during the commemoration of the Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Zelensky noted that everyone strives to end the war and restore peace, but important steps must be taken to achieve this. According to him, either Russia must change radically, or the world will change it itself. The President emphasized that this is exactly what the world did 80 years ago when it became clear to everyone that
“it is impossible to appease evil. It must be fought. Together. Fight decisively. With force. With pressure. On the battlefield, in the diplomatic arena, in the economic space, everywhere it is possible. So that it truly means “never again”.”
Zelensky added that the world will have to carry out denazification and demilitarization of Russia to prevent new tragedies. In his address, he said: “Each of us wants silence to come, the victory of peace. We are fighting for this. And we understand what is needed for this. Either Russia must change radically. Or the world will have to change. Just as the world did 80 years ago. When it finally became clear to everyone: it is impossible to appease evil. It must be fought. Together. Fight decisively. With force. With pressure. On the battlefield, in the diplomatic arena, in the economic space, everywhere it is possible. So that it truly means “never again”. Or the world will have to carry out denazification and demilitarization of Russia”.
Differences in Historical Perception Between Ukraine and Russia
Zelensky also emphasized that on May 9, a parade will take place in Russia on Red Square, showcasing the difference in historical perception between Ukraine and Russia. According to him, it will demonstrate the contrast between life on Independence Square and a parade of fear, during which columns of tanks, crowds in uniforms, and half-alive faces will be symbols of Russian propaganda.
The President stressed that Ukrainians have witnessed the atrocities of the Nazis and the blockade of Leningrad, while Russians repeat this evil. He pointed out that the organizers of the parade in the Russian square demonstrate cynicism. Zelensky added:
“They will talk about the atrocities of the Nazis in Bucha, the blockade of Leningrad, and the blockade of Mariupol. This is a parade of cynicism”.
He emphasized that the historical perception of World War II and the attitude towards the memory of this tragedy differ not only between Ukraine and Russia. In Ukraine, there is a memory of the war victims and the importance of preventing the repetition of historical mistakes, while in Russia, these events are often perceived differently, leading to various interpretations of history and values.