Ukrainian personnel will join around 1,000 UK armed forces members, including soldiers on horseback and military bands, to symbolise “the global support for their continued fight for freedom” against Russia
krainian armed forces will take part in a British military procession on Monday celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, which marks the end of fighting on the continent during World War Two.
Ukrainian personnel will join around 1,000 UK armed forces members, including soldiers on horseback and military bands, to symbolise “the global support for their continued fight for freedom” against Russia, the government said in a statement on Saturday.
The 80th anniversary falls as U.S. President Donald Trump is pressing for a deal to end the war in Ukraine, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
May 8 is observed in many countries including Britain, France and the United States as the date when the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany took effect in 1945.
Russia fought alongside the Western allies as the Soviet Union – which then included Ukraine. It marks the occasion on May 9.
Britain plans various events in the run-up to the anniversary, including a military parade and a flypast, culminating in a service of thanksgiving on Thursday at Westminster Abbey in London that is due to be attended by the royal family.
Britain has staunchly supported Kyiv since the war in Ukraine began, providing billions of pounds in military aid and placing wide-ranging sanctions on Russian entities and individuals to punish Moscow for the conflict.
“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 frontline of freedom are represented in Monday’s event,” defence minister John Healey said in the statement.
Armed forces from Australia, Canada and New Zealand will carry their nations’ flags during the procession, which will feature the flags of every Commonwealth nation, the statement added.
Jack Mortimer, aged 101, is expected to be one of the veterans observing the military procession on Monday.
“People from all over the world joined forces 80 years ago to defend freedom – we must remember all of their sacrifices,” Mortimer said in a statement issued by the government.
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.”
Thousands of people are expected to view the procession along The Mall as it kicks off the VE Day 80 commemorations. The procession will conclude with The Mall being filled by members of the public, and a flypast 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.”
Meanwhile, pubs will be allowed to stay open for an extra two hours on VE Day next month to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe.
The government said pub licensing hours will be relaxed on 8 May to raise a glass and celebrate those who served in the war. Pubs and bars across the UK will be able to keep serving until 1am after the two hour extension, which will mark the end of four days of celebrations.
Parties are being planned for the day, 80 years after the Allies’ formal acceptance of Germany’s unconditional surrender, marking the end of all German military operations in Europe on 8 May 1945. Keir Starmer said: “As we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the whole country should come together to remember the incredible sacrifices made by the wartime generation and to celebrate the peace and freedom they secured for us all. Keeping our pubs open for longer will give people the opportunity to join in celebrations and raise a glass to all of the men and women who served their country, both overseas and at home.”
