ECU urges counter-protests to stand up against Russian ‘Victory Day’ propaganda on May 9

The European Congress of Ukrainians (ECU) is calling on the Ukrainian diaspora and the allies of democracy and peace across Europe to organize and join counter-protests against pro-Kremlin demonstrations planned for May 9. 

These so-called Victory Day events – including the notorious “Immortal Regiment” march – are scheduled to take place in cities such as Berlin, Munich, Prague, Sofia, Bucharest, Rome, Genoa, Brussels, London and Paris.

These displays are not commemorations, but tools of state propaganda used by Russia to whitewash its past – such as starting World War II with Nazi Germany – and justify current aggression. 

“That’s why we’re encouraging counter-actions,” the ECU said.

While the world remembers the victims and horrors of WWII, Russia shamelessly exploits that memory — spreading hate and preparing new generations for terror and war crimes, the organization said.

“Russian troops have committed thousands of crimes in Ukraine and continue to do so. They were raised on the idea of victory in the Second World War,” the ECU said.

To support counter-protests, the ECU has prepared visual materials, available for download via the following link, to support pro-Ukrainian demonstrations.

“Every form of participation matters — whether it’s joining a demonstration or simply putting up a poster near where Russian events are taking place,” the statement said.

The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) has declared May 9 as Russian Shame Day and launched a campaign — more details are available at the link.

The UWC also explained the significance of the “Immortal Regiment” march, a propaganda event where participants carry portraits of Soviet soldiers and glorify the USSR’s role in the Second World War.