Ukraine Remembers Millions Killed in World War II

09 May 2017 15:52

Ukraine remembers the victims of the Second World War on May 9.

Ukraine remembers the victims of the Second World War on May 9. Memorial events to honor those who died at the front – between 8 and 10 million people, including both civilians and soldiers – took places in different cities across the country.

Kyiv, Ukraine. Photo: jovan, Hromadske.

However, besides the traditional memorial events such as a floral tribute and a minute of silence, the march of the "Immortal Regiment", a memorial event for World War II veterans, also took place.

Kyiv, Ukraine. Photo: jovan, Hromadske.

The "Immortal Regiment", which originated in Russia to honor the memory of World War II soldiers, has been transformed into an instrument of Kremlin propaganda. Many people came to the parades wearing Saint George Ribbons, which became a symbol of separatism in Ukraine after Russia annexed Crimea and intervened in Donbas in 2014. Participants in the "Immortal Regiment" in Kharkiv were singing "...I want [to go–ed.] back home to Russia".

Kyiv, Ukraine. Photo: jovan, Hromadske.

The events didn't take place without clashes. In Zaporizhia conflicts occurred between volunteers, veterans of the war in Donbas and participants in the demonstration called the "Victory Regiment". One person has been detained, reports Radio Liberty. According to the information agency UNIAN, one police officer was harmed.

Kyiv, Ukraine. Photo: jovan, Hromadske.

Clashes also took place between members of the "Immortal Regiment" march and representatives of nationalist organizations in Kyiv. 24 people were detained for disorderly conduct and resisting authorities, said the head of Kyiv police Andrii Kryschenko.

Kyiv, Ukraine. Photo: jovan, Hromadske.

People have also been arrested in Odessa and Dnipro.

Odesa, Ukraine. Photo: Hromadske.

Kyiv, Ukraine. Photo: Hromadske.

Kyiv, Ukraine. Photo: , Hromadske.

According to Hromadske's correspondent, there were no riotous disturbances in Mariupol, Donetsk region.

Mariupol, Ukraine. Photo: Hromadske.

Police guaranteed law and order in every city. According to the official website of Kyiv police, seven thousand police officers will administer the law in Ukraine's capital, where the Eurovision Song Contest semi-final 1 takes place today.

Kyiv, Ukraine. Photo: jovan, Hromadske.

/by Liuda Kornievych