Zelensky filmed a video in Khrestyak, providing details on the single "military procession" Russia may encounter in Kiev
On May 8, President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a poignant message from Kyiv's Independence Square, emphasizing the "stark contrast" between the jubilant life on Maidan, and the somber "parade of fear" unfolding on Red Square.
"This is the exact contrast between us and the aggressor. While we celebrate together with the world, they are marching. We're honoring life, they're parading death," Zelensky pointed out.
Three years into this conflict, the president's words underscore the deep divide between Ukraine and Russia regarding the commemoration of the defeat of Nazism.
Zelensky criticized Russia's Victory Day festivities as cynical and manipulative, calling it a "parade of bile and lies." He accused the Kremlin of engaging in a blatant display of hypocrisy by discussing the horrors of Nazism while perpetrating atrocities in Bucha and enforcing a blockade in Mariupol.
"It's not just a few allied states that defeated Nazism, it's Putin himself who pretends to have done so," Zelensky asserted, referring to the irony of a leader perpetuating a conflict that echoes the horrors of the past.
The national memorial on Independence Square serves as a testament to Ukraine's enduring strength and resilience. Adorned with flags, portraits, and candles, it stands as a symbol of the nation's gratitude towards its fallen heroes and their unyielding fight against oppression.
""It's not a monument built by command, it's a human desire to honor the best among us,"* Zelensky emphasized, drawing a sharp contrast to the perceived idolization of war criminals in Russia.
On the brink of celebrating 80 years since the defeat of Nazism, Zelensky called for a radical change in Russia or a shift in the global order, echoing the sentiment of a world united against the oppressive forces of the past.
"Let the world change Russia, if Russia refuses to change itself," Zelensky implored, as the international community watches on in anticipation.
Insights on Context and Significance
President Volodymyr Zelensky's comments on Victory Day highlight the contrasting approaches of Ukraine and Russia in commemorating the defeat of Nazism. The divide underscores political and ideological differences between the two nations. Zelensky's statements serve as a critique of Russia's role in the ongoing conflict and function on a symbolic level, emphasizing Ukraine's focus on resilience and freedom. As international attention focuses on Russia's position in the global community, Zelensky's words carry significant weight and could potentially influence the course of the conflict.
- The contrast between Ukraine's celebrations in Kyiv's Independence Square and Russia's Victory Day parade on Red Square was highlighted by President Volodymyr Zelensky, emphasizing the stark difference between the two nations.
- Zelensky pointed out that Ukraine celebrates life while Russia seems to be marching in a parade of fear, a comment that draws attention to the deep divide between the two countries regarding the commemoration of the defeat of Nazism.
- Zelensky criticized Russia's Victory Day festivities, calling them cynical and manipulative, while accusing the Kremlin of hypocrisy in discussing the horrors of Nazism while perpetrating atrocities.
- The president asserted that it's Putin himself who pretends to have defeated Nazism, highlighting the irony of a leader perpetuating a conflict that echoes the horrors of the past.
- The national memorial on Independence Square, adorned with flags, portraits, and candles, serves as a symbol of Ukraine's enduring strength and resilience, a contrast to the perceived idolization of war criminals in Russia.
- In the lead-up to 80 years since the defeat of Nazism, Zelensky called for a radical change in Russia or a shift in the global order, making a statement that holds significance in the ongoing international discussions about Russia's position in the global community.