The Second World War was a global military conflict and one of the greatest tragedies of the twentieth century: 80% of humanity was affected by the war, fighting took place in 2/3 of the states that existed at that time. On this day, we remember what terrible consequences the disaster of WWII has brought to the peoples of the world. We cannot forget that the aggressors were stopped by the joint efforts of the allied nations.
The war began on 1 September 1939 with the invasion of Poland by Nazi German troops, and ended on September 2, 1945 with the unconditional surrender of Japan. On 23 August 1939, the Soviets and Nazis signed the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact that included the Secret Protocol to partition Poland, which defined the borders of Soviet and Nazi spheres of influence in Europe.
During the Second World War, the greatest crimes against humanity were committed. The Holocaust was their starkest example. More than 110 million soldiers have been drafted into the armies of the warring parties, with total military and civilian casualties ranging from 50 to 85 million. As a result of the war, the United Nations (Ukraine is one of the founders) was created and a modern system of international relations was formed. World War II was the bloodiest in human history. Ukraine, France, Poland, Lithuania and the United Kingdom honor the memory of everyone who fought against Nazism, as well as all the victims.
No country can unilaterally claim recognition of its unique role in defeating Nazism, as it was the result of titanic efforts of dozens of states and hundreds of nations. Attempts to use the moral authority of the winner of WWII in the conduct of aggressive politics in our time are equally unacceptable.
Contemporary Russia is trying to arrogate the victory in the Second World War, often neglecting huge contributions and human losses of other nations. After curbing academic freedom and civil rights at home – both necessary to ensure a rigorous historical work – the Russian government is now attacking the very system of international relations established after WWII and based on the UN Charter. It is Putin’s war of choice in Ukraine that is encroaching on the most central tenets of our international relations: territorial integrity, sovereignty, peaceful resolution of conflicts.
This day, 8 May, does not symbolize the triumph of the victors over the vanquished, but should be a reminder of the terrible catastrophe and a warning that international problems cannot be solved by force of arms, ultimatums, aggression, and annexation. In fact, the following day – 9 May – is also celebrated widely as EU day, as a token of its contribution to peace on the continent.
Today, like in the dark days of the Second World War where it lost from 8 to 10 million people, Ukraine is the epicenter of opposition to the aggressor. Ukrainians are defending their homeland, rights, democracy and values against an aggressive neighbor.
Ukraine is taking a vital stand in the face of Russian aggression. It is also a warning for the world that historical revisionism and infringement of international law often go hand in hand.
Another consequence of Russian aggression is the strong international reaction. Europe is united and stands firm with Ukraine, helping with humanitarian, financial and military means. But what is happening in Ukraine is of global concern. Here in Egypt and the Middle East, food and energy security are put under strain by the Russian aggression. As we celebrate 8 May, we call on the principles of the UN Charter to be upheld and for Russia to cease their blatant and continued violation in Ukraine and beyond.
