Sunday 8 May 2022 03:11 PM Europe marks VE Day as war rages in Ukraine: Macron lays wreath in Paris on ... trends now
French president Emmanuel Macron laid a wreath at the Arc de Triomphe today as he led commemorations across Europe marking VE Day, while the war continues to rage in Ukraine.
Victory in Europe Day is on May 8 to coincide with the anniversary of Nazi Germany agreeing to surrender 77 years ago.
While ceremonies are held to remember the courageous efforts of those who fought in WW2, the focal point for many today is Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Russia itself does not celebrate the end of WW2 on May 8 but on May 9, as Josef Stalin insisted on being present for the the signing of the surrender and held his own ceremony a day later.
Ukraine's President Zelensky released a Victory Day video from Borodyanka for May 8, saying that evil had returned.
He questioned the phrase 'never again?', following up by saying 'try telling Ukraine that'.
While UK's Prime Minister Boris Johnson took the opportunity to once again show his support for Ukraine.
France's President Emmanuel Macron laid a wreath of flowers on the tomb of the unknown soldier at the Arc de Triomphe
Flag bearers light the flame at the tomb of an unknown soldier, ahead of ceremonies to mark the 77th anniversary of the Allied victory against Nazi Germany and the end of World War II (pictured at the Arc de Triomphe, in Paris)
Prime Minister Boris Johnson showed his support for Ukraine in their fight against Russia during his VE Day address online (pictured)
The Victory Day ceremony in the French capital is attended by politicians including the mayor of Pairs (centre) and military figures
A woman places flowers on a T-34 Soviet Red army tank at the Berlin Karlshorst Museum, the place where the high Command of the German Wehrmacht signed the unconditional surrender
President Emmanuel Macron salutes the troops as he attends the Victory in Europe Day parade in Paris
German War Graves Commission President Wolfgang Schneiderhan stands in front of the Soviet War Memorial in Berlin
French President Emmanuel Macron led the ceremony in Paris by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier underneath the Arc du Triomphe.
While Prime Minister Boris Johnson directed his VE Day address towards the ongoing conflict in Ukraine following Russia's invasion.
He said: 'On VE Day, as we remember those who sacrificed their lives in WW2, we also think of those who've died and suffered in Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.
'Our respect and gratitude for those who have fought in previous conflicts strengthens our determination to support the people of Ukrainian in their struggle.
'We won't forget the sacrifices that have been made over the generations to ensure peace and freedom in Europe.'
A wreath from the embassy of Ukraine was placed in front of the Soviet War Memorial in Berlin, Germany, despite the Berlin regional senate
