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Ukrainian troops will join UK forces in London on Monday to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, the Ministry of Defence has announced.
The procession, comprising around 1,000 UK service personnel from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army, and Royal Air Force, will also include Ukrainian personnel currently training in Britain under Operation Interflex.
This symbolic gesture underscores global support for Ukraine's ongoing resistance against Russia's invasion, the MoD stated. VE Day, commemorated annually on May 8, marks the Allied acceptance of Germany's surrender in 1945.
The Ukrainian contingent will be drawn from those participating in Operation Interflex, a UK-led training program supported by 12 partner nations.
Since its inception in the summer of 2022, the program has trained over 54,000 Ukrainian recruits in essential combat skills. The inclusion of Ukrainian soldiers in the VE Day procession serves as a powerful reminder of the continued fight for freedom in Europe.
The operation has been extended to at least the end of 2025, with an enhanced training programme to ensure the Ukrainian forces are equipped with vital battlefield skills.
The Ukrainian armed forces representatives will join around 1,000 UK armed forces personnel, including soldiers on horseback and seven military bands.
The MoD said Second World War veterans will be at the heart of the celebrations, watching the procession from the royal box at the Queen Victoria Memorial.
D-Day veteran Jack Mortimer, 101, who will be watching the procession, said: “People from all over the world joined forces 80 years ago to defend freedom – we must remember all of their sacrifices.
“It will be incredibly moving to see the VE Day procession and so many nations represented. It will remind us that these alliances still keep us safe today and why we stand by those who need our support.”
Mr Mortimer will join Second World War veterans at the Royal British Legion’s tea party and service of remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum on May 8.
The VE Day 80 commemorations will begin on Monday with the military procession, expected to be viewed by thousands of people along The Mall.
The procession will conclude with The Mall being filled by members of the public, and a fly past featuring the Red Arrows and 23 current and historic military aircraft.
Defence Secretary John Healey said: “Eighty years after VE Day, we will celebrate our wartime veterans, our greatest generation.
“We will ensure their spirit lives on, not just in our armed forces but also in our values and commitment to strength through unity.
“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 front line of freedom are represented in Monday’s event.”
Major Pavlo, an officer of the Ukrainian marching contingent, said: “The participation of Ukrainian service personnel in the VE Day parade in London symbolises our strength, courage and resilience.
“It is a recognition that Ukraine and its heroes stand at the forefront of the fight for freedom and peace in the world. We are grateful to our allies for their support and solidarity.”
A variety of events are scheduled to take place around the UK to mark the 80th anniversary.
The King and Queen will host a tea party for Second World War veterans as part of the celebrations.
Historic landmarks across the country will be lit up in the evening on May 6 while a VE Day Anniversary Concert will be held by the Parliament Choir at the Palace of Westminster the following day.
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