Day of Remembrance and Victory Over Nazism in Ukraine Date in the current year: May 8, 2024

Because of the time difference, Western countries and some former Soviet republics commemorate the capitulation of Germany in the Second World War on different dates. Victory in Europe Day is celebrated on May 8, while Victory Day in Russia and a number of other post-Soviet states is observed on May 9. In 2004, the United Nations General Assembly declared both days as a time of remembrance and reconciliation for those who lost their lives during the Second World War.

Ukraine originally celebrated only Victory Day, just like the rest of former republics of the USSR. However, in 2015 President Petro Poroshenko decided that two days should be set aside to celebrate the victory over Nazism in Europe. May 9 (Victory Day) remained a public holiday, while May 8 (Day of Remembrance and Reconciliation) was designated as a remembrance day. According to Poroshenko, the Day of Remembrance and Reconciliation was established to honor those who gave their lives defending Ukraine during WWII, while on Victory Day Ukrainians honor living veterans of the war.

The status of the holiday changed after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia. In May 2023, Verkhovna Rada (the parliament of Ukraine) canceled Victory Day and replaced it with Europe Day. The Day of Remembrance and Reconciliation was renamed the Day of Remembrance and Victory Over Nazism and became a public holiday.