Pavel Polityuk, Tom Balmforth

KYIV (Reuters – Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy declared Monday that Kyiv would conquer Russia’s invasion, and will not relinquish any of its land. This was in keeping with his World War Two victory over Nazi Germany.

In an emotional video address, Zelenskiy recalled the more than 8 million deaths in World War Two. Furthermore, he stated that Kyiv will not permit Moscow to take the victory over Nazism.

Russia commemorated the Soviet victory with a massive military parade on Red Square. Vladimir Putin, Kremlin leader watched. Russia and Ukraine fought in World War Two together, as part of Soviet Union.

Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2014 has left thousands of dead and millions displaced. Mariupol was reduced to rubble by the Sea of Azov port.

“On the Day of Victory against Nazism we are fighting to win a new victory. We know that the road is not easy, but we are certain we will prevail,” Zelenskiy declared.

In plain Army garb, the leader of Ukraine invoked over 30 years of postSoviet independence and claimed that Russia has failed to learn from World War Two.

Our free spirit is unaffected by any shackles. No occupier can establish roots in our land. No invader can take over the free people. He said, “We will win sooner or later.”

Zelenskiy was seen walking past tanks and crossing the street of Khreshchatyk, which is the main avenue in central Kyiv. It was destroyed in 1941 by the Soviet retreating forces. The Stalinist-style reconstruction of the street saw Zelenskiy pass the tank traps.

Putin made a solemn Victory Day appearance in the presence of veterans and generals. He was surrounded with tanks and rockets as he performed his simple act.

“We are proud that our ancestors defeated Nazism together with the anti-Hitler coalition nations. This victory will never be annexed by anyone.

Zelenskiy directly criticised Putin, but he didn’t name him.

He is the one repeating Hitler’s terrible crimes today. He was doomed,” he declared.

Ukraine’s Victory Day is May 9. However, since the country has been turning westward to Europe from 2014 onwards, they have also created a Day of Remembrance and Reconciliation (May 8), the day France and Britain mark as the “Victory in Europe Day”.

The unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany came into effect at 11:01 pm on May 8, 1945. This was also the time that Moscow celebrated May 9th.

For fear of being shelled, Ukraine will not hold any public events on May 9, 2009. Some areas have instituted a strict curfew starting Sunday night and ending Tuesday morning.

Streets were deserted in Zaporizhzhia (southeast city), which is not far away from the front lines. Residents observed an all-day curfew.