**Russia’s Manipulated History and Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom**
Today, Russia is marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany with a large military parade on Red Square. However, this commemoration serves as a stark reminder of Russia’s own responsibility in launching devastating wars in Europe since 1945. As the world reflects on the end of World War II, it’s essential to acknowledge the role of other nations, particularly Ukraine, which fought side by side with the Soviet Union.
**Ukraine’s Unrecognized Contributions**
The Ukrainian people made an extraordinary contribution to the victory over Nazism, paying a devastating price in the process. At least 8 million Ukrainians were killed out of a population of 41 million. Belarus also suffered greatly, with more than 2 million people killed on its territory and half of its population either killed or displaced by the end of the war. Despite these sacrifices, Russia has spent decades trying to silence Ukraine’s contributions to the victory over Nazism.
**Russia’s Imperial Ambitions**
The Russian regime’s central narrative today focuses on the “root causes” of the war in Ukraine – essentially, Russia’s unfulfilled imperial and colonial ambitions. By seeking to restore its sphere of influence and dominate the future of other European countries, Russia is repeating a pattern of behavior that has led to devastating conflicts throughout history.
**Accountability for War Crimes**
The Baltic states, Poland, and Ukraine have historically suffered most from imperial spheres of influence. The Nazi-Soviet Pact in 1939 led to the occupation of these countries, with many crimes seen today in occupied territories of Ukraine being committed then as well. While Nazi crimes have been thoroughly documented and prosecuted, neither the Soviet nor Russian authorities have ever faced international accountability for their actions during or after World War II.
**Impunity Breeds Future Generations of War Criminals**
This lack of accountability has had far-reaching consequences. Impunity breeds future generations of war criminals, rapists, and murderers. Many of those responsible for atrocities in Bucha, Irpin, Mariupol, and other Ukrainian cities will be marching on the Red Square on May 9.
**Lessons from World War II**
Today, we must learn the lessons of World War II with urgency. Spheres of influence enable aggression, and accountability is not optional. It’s essential to support Ukraine’s fight for freedom and establish a special tribunal on Russia’s crime of aggression against Ukraine as soon as possible.
**Europe Day Celebrations**
On May 9, Europe will celebrate Europe day together with our Ukrainian friends because Ukraine is Europe. Ukraine will become part of the European Union, and there’s nothing Putin can do to stop it. As we reflect on the past, we must look towards a future where accountability, freedom, and the rule of law are not optional.
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