‘Evil Cannot Be Appeased’: Zelensky Urges Unity Against Russia on WWII Anniversary

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on international allies to unite in resisting Russia’s war on Ukraine on Thursday, as Europe marked the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II.

“Just as it did 80 years ago, when it finally became clear to everyone: evil cannot be appeased. It must be fought. Together. Resolutely. With force. With pressure,” Zelensky said  on Thursday, May 8.

The Ukrainian president also blasted Moscow’s Victory Day celebrations, where Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to host more than 20 world leaders and oversee a large military parade.

“It will be a parade of cynicism. There is just no other way to describe it. A parade of bile and lies,” Zelensky said.

In a speech marking Ukraine’s Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism, Zelensky recalled how his country’s suffering during World War II and drew parallels to the current war with Russia.

He described the morning of Feb. 24, 2022 – the day Russia launched its full-scale invasion – as a moment when Kyiv stood empty, and war returned to Ukrainian soil. He said that now, life continues in the capital and across the country because of Ukraine’s defenders.

“Three years ago, when I recorded an Independence Day address, burned Russian vehicles stood here. And that is the only kind of parade evil can get here,” Zelensky said, referring to Kyiv’s Khreshchatyk Street, the city center’s main thoroughfare.

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He praised Ukrainian soldiers and civilians for keeping Ukraine’s cities alive and free.

“Some are delivering vehicles to the front. Some are just walking through town and hear: ‘Thank you.’ That is so important for our warriors,” he said.

Zelensky also compared Russia’s current actions to those of the Nazi regime, accusing it of mass atrocities in cities like Bucha and Mariupol.

“Tomorrow, the atrocities of the Nazis will be brought up by the organizer of mass graves in Bucha. And those who orchestrated the blockade of Mariupol will be the ones talking about the siege of Leningrad,” he said.

Zelensky said Ukraine honors World War II veterans with modest remembrance and respect, contrasting it with what he described as orchestrated displays in Russia.

He added that peace will require either fundamental change in Russia or international pressure.

“Every evil inevitably comes to an end. Every occupier eventually leaves our land. Life always returns,” he said.

World War II Victory Day is celebrated on May 9 in Russia and some other former Soviet states. Ukraine observes May 8 as a day of remembrance and mourning for those killed during the war.