Ukrainian troops to join Victory Day parade in Britain
Photo: Ukrainian military will join the parade in London (Getty Images)
The Armed Forces of Ukraine will take part in the Victory Day parade in the United Kingdom. The participation of Ukrainian troops symbolizes Western support in the fight against Russian aggression, according to Reuters.
On Monday, May 6, Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel will join a large military parade in London to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), which commemorates the end of hostilities in Europe during World War II.
Ukrainian soldiers will march alongside around one thousand British troops, cavalry units, and military bands as a symbol of global support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.
"In the midst of the first full-scale war in Europe since the Second World War, it is fitting that the Ukrainian Armed Forces currently fighting on the frontline of freedom are represented in Monday's event," said UK Defence Secretary John Healey.
May 8 is the traditional date for celebrating VE Day in the United Kingdom, France, and the United States. It marks the day in 1945 when Germany signed its surrender. Russia, which fought as part of the Soviet Union, commemorates Victory Day on May 9.
Commemorative events in London will include a military parade, an air show, and a thanksgiving service at Westminster Abbey, which is expected to be attended by members of the royal family.
In addition to Ukraine, service members from Australia, Canada, and New Zealand will also take part in the ceremony, carrying their national flags.
Deployment of military contingents to Ukraine
As a reminder, since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, the United Kingdom has been one of Kyiv’s key allies, providing billions in military aid and maintaining sanctions pressure on Russia.
In early April, Kyiv hosted a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing — a group of countries that pledged support to Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the formation of the coalition on March 2, 2025.
Following the coalition’s meeting, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that French and British troops would be among the first to arrive in Ukraine. According to the president, these countries are the leading representatives of the European continent.
