The Armed Forces of Ukraine will take part in the United
Kingdom's military procession for the 80th anniversary
of Victory in Europe (VE Day) on Monday 5 May.
Ukrainian personnel will join around 1,000 UK service personnel
from the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the British Army and the
Royal Air Force, symbolising the global support for their
continued fight for freedom against Russia's unprovoked, illegal
invasion.
The representatives of the Armed Forces of Ukraine will comprise
those deployed to the UK on Operation Interflex – the UK Armed
Forces' training programme for Ukrainian recruits, delivered with
12 partner nations.
Second World War veterans will be at the heart of the
celebrations, watching the procession from the royal box at the
Queen Victoria Memorial.
Defence Secretary MP said:
“Eighty years after VE Day, we will celebrate our wartime
veterans, our Greatest Generation. We will ensure their spirit
lives on, not just in our Armed Forces but also in our values and
commitment to strength through unity.
“In the midst of the first full-scale war in Europe since the
Second World War, it is fitting that the Ukrainian Armed Forces
currently fighting on the frontline of freedom are represented in
Monday's event.
“As a government, we are determined to renew the nation's
contract with those who served – and have served. This week is an
opportunity for our entire nation to pay thanks to our veterans
and our Armed Forces for their courage and dedication.”
Major Pavlo, an officer of the Ukrainian marching contingent
said:
“The participation of Ukrainian service personnel in the VE Day
parade in London symbolises our strength, courage and resilience.
It is a recognition that Ukraine and its heroes stand at the
forefront of the fight for freedom and peace in the world. We are
grateful to our allies for their support and solidarity.”
Armed Forces personnel from Australia, Canada and New Zealand
will carry their nations' flags during the procession, which will
feature the flags of every Commonwealth nation.
The Royal British Legion is proud to be putting Second World War
veterans at the heart of national commemorations marking the
80thanniversary of VE Day.
D-Day veteran Jack Mortimer, 101, who will be watching the
military procession, said:
“People from all over the world joined forces 80 years ago to
defend freedom – we must remember all of their sacrifices. It
will be incredibly moving to see the VE Day procession and so
many nations represented. It will remind us that these alliances
still keep us safe today and why we stand by those who need our
support.”
Jack will join Second World War veterans at the Royal British
Legion's tea party and service of remembrance at the National
Memorial Arboretum on VE Day (8 May).
The VE Day 80 commemorations will begin on Monday 5 May with a
military procession featuring 1,000 members of the Armed Forces,
hundreds of uniformed civilians and cadets, and thousands of
members of the public watching along The Mall.
The procession will begin in Parliament Square when Big Ben
strikes midday. An actor will recite extracts from Sir Winston
Churchill's historic VE Day speech.
The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and The King's Troop,
Royal Horse Artillery will then lead the procession from
Parliament Square, down Whitehall, through Admiralty Arch and up
The Mall through to Buckingham Palace where the procession will
finish.
They will be followed by a tri-service procession group featuring
marching members of the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the
British Army and the Royal Air Force.
Cadets from all three services and other uniformed youth groups
will also take part in the procession to ensure the message of VE
Day is handed down to a new generation.
The procession will conclude with The Mall being filled by
members of the public and a fly past featuring the Red Arrows and
23 current and historic military aircraft.
The United Kingdom and its partners have trained over 54,000
Ukrainians in essential frontline combat skills since the
programme was established in the summer of 2022 following
Russia's full-scale invasion.
The operation has been extended to at least the end of 2025, with
an enhanced training programme to ensure the Ukrainian forces are
equipped with vital battlefield skills.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces representatives will join around 1,000
UK Armed Forces personnel, including soldiers on horseback and
seven military bands.
Notes to editors:
- Photos of Ukrainian personnel rehearsing the procession will
be emailed to you later today and will be available from
www.defenceimagery.mod.uk
tomorrow
- Commentary notes on the involvement of the Armed Forces in
the VE Day 80 celebrations are available by emailing DDC-PR-Events@mod.gov.uk
- Media has already been invited to opportunities throughout
the weekend and next week to access the Armed Forces personnel
and equipment leading the celebrations
- Photos from VE Day 80 rehearsals, preparations and events are
already available from www.defenceimagery.mod.uk
- The Department for Culture, Media and Sport are leading on
the media arrangements for the VE Day 80 procession, flypast,
service and concert
