Ukraine urges diaspora not attend Russian or Belarusian ‘Victory Day’ events

KYIV – Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs Ministry has called on Ukrainian communities abroad to refrain from participating in any events organized by Russia or Belarus around May 9, known in those countries as “Victory Day” to mark Victory in Europe Day during World War II.

“I urge all our communities and Ukrainians abroad not to take part in any commemorations organized by today’s aggressors — Russia and its accomplice in the crime of aggression, Belarus,” said Foreign Affairs Minister Andrii Sybiha.

The ministry stressed that such events should be ignored and denied the attention they seek.

“Avoid actions that might give Russian propagandists more publicity,” Sybiha said.

The ministry cautioned against commemorating the anniversary with Russians or Belarusians, or endorsing symbols associated with Russian aggression – such as the “St. George’s ribbon,” which many Ukrainians view as emblematic of militarism, violence, and imperial ambition. 

“Instead, use these days to highlight Ukraine’s role in defeating Nazism and draw attention to the fact that Ukraine is once again defending peace and freedom in Europe amid ongoing Russian aggression,” the statement said.

Ukrainian communities are advised to seek guidance from Ukrainian embassies and consulates in their respective countries on how to best observe commemorative dates and counter Russian propaganda effectively.

“I urge everyone to be active — take part in Ukrainian events, and help foreigners understand Ukraine’s true role in the victory over Nazism and how Russia is now manipulating that history,” Sybiha said.

The ministry also called on Ukraine’s international partners not to support Russian-backed propaganda events in their countries and to respond to them appropriately.

“Commemoration isn’t about numbers. Millions of victims and heroes are not statistics — they were people with names and lives,” Sybiha said.

He added that remembrance is something we carry within ourselves and affirm through concrete actions today.

“We must not desecrate that memory by tolerating the Soviet-Russian myth of the ‘Great Patriotic War.’ It’s not about parades — it’s about people. Not about manipulation — but about memory. Not about war — but about peace,” Sybiha said.