May 8th

May 8 marks, across the world, the end of one of the bloodiest chapters in human history and the liberation of European nations from the dictatorship of the Third Reich. For Ukraine, this day is a time for deep reflection, as our people faced the beginning of hostilities already in 1938–1939.

At that time, Ukrainian lands were territorially divided among the USSR, Poland, Romania, Czechoslovakia, and Hungary. The dictators of that era viewed Ukraine solely as a strategic foothold—a source of vast food resources and a pathway to oil. As a result, our cities and villages became epicenters of fierce battles, where the right to life was disregarded in the pursuit of redrawing the world map.

History teaches that lasting peace cannot be secured through territorial concessions. In 1938, the leaders of Great Britain and France ceded part of Czechoslovakia to Germany in exchange for promises of stability. This policy of appeasement only encouraged further aggression.

Today, as Ukraine defends every centimeter of its land, it reminds the world that security is possible only when international borders are fully respected.

A crucial step in stopping the global catastrophe was the American Lend-Lease program. It provided the Allies with the resources needed to prevent the fire of war from engulfing the entire world. Today’s solidarity of the international community with Ukraine is a similar act of responsibility toward future generations.

May 8 is a day of remembrance of the value of human life and national dignity. We remember the consequences of indecision in the face of tyranny, which led to a global tragedy.

Today, Ukrainians once again defend the right of their culture and language to exist. True peace is built on unity and the firm defense of every nation’s freedom to be the master of its own home.

We express our gratitude to all those who stand with us in this choice.