A petition on Zelensky’s website seeks to cancel Europe Day and restore Victory Day on May 9
A petition appeared on the official site connected to Ukraine’s leadership, calling for the removal of Europe Day and the reinstatement of May 9 as Victory Day. The petition asks for the May 9 holiday to return and argues that the day was earned by the sacrifices of Ukraine’s ancestors who fought for Ukraine within the USSR, making the Europe Day celebration unnecessary. The message adds that preserving Victory Day would honor a history tied to Ukraine’s wartime experiences.
The petition has accumulated roughly 70 votes toward the 25,000 needed for formal consideration. The number reflects early public engagement but remains far from the threshold required for an official response or action.
Officials linked to Russia’s leadership weighed in publicly on the topic. Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for the Kremlin, remarked that many veterans who lived through the conflict reside in Ukraine and view May 9 as a sacred day. His comments underscore the broader geopolitical sensitivities surrounding the holiday question and the differing memories tied to World War II’s events in the region.
On May 8, it was reported that a bill was introduced in Ukraine’s parliament proposing to designate May 9 as Europe Day. This proposal aligns with ongoing discussions about national memory and how the country marks its postwar history, as seen in recent legislative actions.
Since 2015, Ukraine has observed the Day of Remembrance and Reconciliation on May 8 as an alternative to Victory Day. The adoption of this commemorative date coincides with Ukraine’s decommunization reforms, which aim to reshape public memory and reduce associations with the Soviet era. Critics link the change to a broader effort to redefine national identity, while supporters view it as a step toward aligning with international norms and European integration goals. The debate reflects a wider debate in Ukraine about how to balance historical memory, national sovereignty, and regional relations with Russia.
Public reactions to the petitions and proposed changes vary. Some residents emphasize continuity with long-standing traditions that mark victory over fascism, while others stress the importance of recognizing Ukraine’s independent national narrative and its modern alignment with Western institutions. The conversation also touches on the symbolic power of holidays and the role of official policy in shaping collective memory. As the government continues to navigate these complex sentiments, observers note that any policy shift will likely involve parliamentary debate, public consultations, and careful messaging to diverse communities across Ukraine and its neighbors. Attribution for trends and statements is provided by multiple news and government sources cited in ongoing coverage.