Before the victory parade: Kiev sees the Kremlin in a Nazi role – the night at a glance

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There is also a battle over the sovereignty of the interpretation of this event. The Kremlin justifies its war of aggression as fighting off a Western threat and a so-called Nazi regime in Kiev. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, on the other hand, equates the defense of Ukraine with fighting Nazi Germany in World War II. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, is expected in Kiev on Tuesday to celebrate Europe Day.

Selenski: To remember also means to protect

Zelensky said in his daily video address Monday night: “Today, May 8, when the world remembers the words ‘Never again!’ remember, we in Ukraine give meaning to these words.” It’s not just about remembering, but about protecting your values ​​and defeating aggressors. “The successes of the Ukrainians in defense against Russian aggression are clearly an antidote to other forms of aggression,” Zelensky said. The world can see how a free people defend themselves against conquerors. “If we can do it, others can too.” The end of the Second World War is commemorated every year in Europe on May 8.

In view of the upcoming victory parade in Moscow, Zelensky’s speech will likely focus on Russian propaganda. This claims the Kremlin’s monopoly on victory over Hitler’s Germany in World War II and glorifies its own war of aggression against the Ukraine as a continuation of the Soviet Union’s defensive struggle.

Inspector General: Support for Ukraine “in the forefront”

The Inspector General of the German Armed Forces, Carsten Breuer, prioritizes continued military support to Ukraine in defense against the Russian attackers. «The life-and-death struggle justifies limitations in training and material availability with us. Supporting the brave Ukrainian armed forces in the fight against the Russian aggressor is our top priority,” the top German soldier told the German news agency after a visit to the Ukrainian capital Kiev. The general repeated: “Ukraine is fighting for all of us.”

Breuer was in Ukraine last week and met with army chief Valeriy Zalushny and Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov. According to the statement, Resnikov thanked the Germans for the weapons they had received so far, including modern anti-aircraft systems, self-propelled howitzers and the Leopard 2 main battle tank.

Russian occupation chief: rain delays start of offensive in Kiev

According to Russian occupation authorities in southern Ukraine, the rains are delaying the start of the expected Kiev offensive. “Unstable wet weather has started again. The ground must be four to twelve centimeters dry so that the technology can roll over it,” the head of the administration of the Moscow-controlled part of Zaporizhia, Yevgeny Balitsky, told Russian television on Monday. Nevertheless, the counter-offensive “could start any minute”.

On Friday, the Russian government began evacuating frontline towns in the Zaporizhia region. The town of Enerhodar, where the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant is located, was also hit. Balizki spoke of a temporary resettlement of residents for the safety of the population.

Russian missile destroys Ukrainian Red Cross warehouse

At the same time, Russia is trying to disrupt the Ukrainians’ preparations for a counterattack with missile and drone strikes. Civilian targets are hit again and again. A Russian missile strike in the southern Ukrainian port city of Odessa destroyed a Ukrainian Red Cross warehouse. “The fire has destroyed all humanitarian supplies in the camp,” the organization said Monday. Prosecutors say one person was killed and three injured in the rocket attack on the warehouse of a food company.

Belarusian ruler arrives in Moscow for a working visit

Belarusian ruler Alexander Lukashenko arrived in Moscow a day before the scheduled major military parade for an unannounced visit in Moscow. A video released by the Belarusian state news agency Belta shows the 68-year-old being received at Moscow airport by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov.

That will be important on Tuesday

While in Germany and elsewhere in Europe the end of the Second World War in Europe was already commemorated on Monday in 1945, Russia traditionally celebrates Victory Day this Tuesday with a large military parade. In addition to Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin and Lukashenko, several other heads of state from the former Soviet republics also want to attend the parade in Moscow this year.

Meanwhile, European Commission President von der Leyen is expected to celebrate Europe Day in Kiev. According to a spokesman, the top German politician wants to meet Selenski and reaffirm the EU’s full support for Ukraine in its defensive fight against Russia, among others.

(SDA)

Source: Blick