Statement by Chargée d’Affaires,

Deputy Permanent Representative of Ukraine Khrystyna Hayovyshyn,

at the Special solemn meeting of the General Assembly in commemoration of all victims of the Second World War

7 May 2025

President,

Ukraine aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union.

Today, we gather in the General Assembly Hall in solemn remembrance of all victims of the Second World War—one of the darkest chapters in human history.

To our deepest regret, on Monday, this very GA Hall was shamefully used by the Russian Federation for a so-called “commemoration concert of victims of World War II,” which, in reality, served as a vehicle for spreading Russian propaganda about the so-called “Great Patriotic War.” It resembled nothing more than “a dance on the bones.” And all this occurred at a time when the international community unites in paying tribute to the millions who gave their lives for peace, freedom and dignity. This was a stark example of how the Russian Federation commemorates the victims of the Second World War—with a blatant moral disregard for tragedy. It glorifies a painful past and turns remembrance into a display of cynical celebration amid suffering and loss—serving, ultimately, as a tool for ideological manipulation and political propaganda.

The memory of millions must not be defiled by tolerating the Soviet-Russian “Great Patriotic” lie. This is about memory, not manipulation. It is about peace, not war. I must emphasize again: it was a disrespectful performance—a true “dance on the bones”—held in the very heart of the United Nations.

President,

Eighty years ago, nations across the globe united to confront Evil. At the staggering cost of tens of millions of lives, the war was brought to an end, and the foundations for lasting peace and international cooperation were laid. From that devastation, the vision of the United Nations emerged—first in the 1942 Declaration by the United Nations, and then with the founding of this Organization.

Ukraine was among the nations most devastated by World War II, suffering brutal oppression from the very outset, when totalitarian regimes in Berlin and Moscow jointly invaded Poland in 1939. We must never forget that the Soviet Union collaborated with Nazi Germany at the very start of the war. When that alliance collapsed in 1941, Ukraine bore the full weight of Nazi occupation, becoming a zone of terror, forced labor and mass murder. And that oppression of Ukrainian people continued during Soviet times.

The front swept across Ukraine’s territory twice. At least 8 million Ukrainians died—5 million civilians and 3 million soldiers. Among the victims on Ukrainian soil were 1.5 million Jews murdered during the Holocaust—approximately a quarter of all European Jews killed during the Shoah.

President,

The contribution of every nation that fought against Nazism must be acknowledged.

My country’s role in defeating Nazism is undeniable. Over 6 million Ukrainians fought in the ranks of the Red Army, while hundreds of thousands more joined resistance movements and the armed forces of the Allies of the anti-Hitler coalition. This great victory—and the peace and freedom of Europe—were won with great Ukrainian sacrifice.

That is why we categorically reject Moscow’s cynicism in attempting to appropriate this historic achievement to justify aggression against our state and atrocities against our people.

We honor the memory of all those who fought and perished. Their sacrifice is an inseparable part of our national history and identity.

We couple this tribute with an unequivocal condemnation of Nazism and all forms of totalitarianism. Fueled by hatred and propaganda, the Nazi regime inflicted genocide, aggression and tyranny on an unimaginable scale. Today, we must be equally resolute in standing against any attempt to revive or justify such ideologies.

Tragically, the solemn promise of “Never Again” remains unfulfilled. Since 1945, the world has witnessed new wars and atrocities. Today, Europe faces its most brutal war of aggression since the end of World War II. While attempting to monopolize the memory of victory over Nazism, the Russian Federation has, since 2014, waged a full-scale war against Ukraine—committing the very crimes it once claimed to oppose. Just as the Nazis dehumanized their victims, Russia now dehumanizes Ukrainians under the false and cynical pretext of “denazification.”

For over three years, Russia has carried out widespread atrocities: relentless missile strikes on residential areas and civilian infrastructure, executions of prisoners of war, systematic torture and the forcible deportation of over 19,500 Ukrainian children—acts that meet the legal definition of genocide. The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Putin in connection with these crimes.

By weaponizing the language of anti-Nazism, Russia seeks to justify its own war crimes and crimes against humanity. As we commemorate the victims of the Second World War, Russian missiles and drones continue to strike Ukrainian homes, hospitals and schools—killing civilians, including children, the elderly, persons with disabilities.

We must collectively prevent all those who manipulate history, appropriate our collective victory and justify aggression and crimes.

President,

On this day of remembrance, let us not only reflect on the past but act with resolve in the present. The sacrifices made 80 years ago must not be betrayed. We call on all Member States to strengthen their collective efforts to defend the UN Charter and ensure that justice, accountability and lasting peace prevail—in Ukraine and worldwide.

Only through unity and unwavering support for those under attack can we truly honor the memory of all victims of the Second World War—and ensure that the promise of “Never Again” becomes our reality.

Thank you.