**London Celebrates 80 Years Since WWII’s End: Ukrainian Troops Join Forces in Historic Parade**
Today, London will come together to mark a significant milestone – the 80th anniversary of VE Day. A grand military procession featuring over 1,000 soldiers from multiple nations, including Ukraine, is set to parade through the city streets. This historic event honors not only the Allied victory that ended World War II but also celebrates the ongoing support for Ukraine’s fight against Russia.
**Global Unity in Face of Russian Invasion**
The Ministry of Defence has emphasized that the forces joining together for this procession represent the global solidarity with Ukraine’s struggle for freedom. Since February 2022, Ukraine has been locked in a brutal conflict with Russia, leaving thousands displaced and many lives lost. The Ukrainian service members participating in today’s event are part of Operation Interflex, the UK’s training program aimed at equipping Ukrainian recruits with frontline combat skills. Established in summer 2022, this initiative has successfully trained over 54,000 Ukrainians from 12 partner nations.
**VE Day Celebrations**
The procession will kick off at 12:10 BST and will feature personnel from the Royal Navy, the British Army, the Royal Marines, and the Royal Air Force. It is expected to be a grand display of unity and strength as military forces march through London’s streets. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has praised veterans for their dedication in an open letter, noting that they represent “the best of who we are.”
**A Day of Remembrance and Celebration**
The King and Queen will join the Prince and Princess of Wales to witness the procession from a royal box at the Queen Victoria Memorial. A flypast featuring 23 current and historic military aircraft is scheduled for 13:45 BST, adding an air of grandeur to the celebrations. As part of these commemorations, a special royal tea party has been arranged for about 50 veterans and their families.
**Ukrainian Officer Reflects on Participation**
Major Pavlo, an officer from the Ukrainian marching contingent, underscored the significance of Ukraine’s participation in this VE Day celebration, saying it symbolizes “our strength, courage, and resilience.” This spirit of unity is echoed by Defence Secretary John Healey, who noted that celebrating wartime veterans like those participating today will keep their spirit alive in our values and commitment to unity.
As we mark 80 years since Nazi Germany’s surrender, this procession serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II and the enduring bond between nations. It also symbolizes the unwavering support for Ukraine in its struggle against aggression.
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