Russia celebrates this Tuesday the anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in 1945. As in the previous year, the celebrations will be overshadowed by the war of aggression against Ukraine. There is also a struggle for the sovereignty of interpretation of this event.

The Kremlin justifies its war as a defense against a Western threat and an allegedly Nazi regime in Kiev. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, on the other hand, puts Ukraine's defense on a par with the fight against Nazi Germany. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected in Kyiv this Tuesday.

Zelenskyy said in his daily video address on Monday evening: "Today, May 8, when the world remembers the words 'Never again!', we in Ukraine give meaning to these words." It is not only about remembering, but also about protecting one's values and defeating aggressors. "The successes of Ukrainians in defending against Russian aggression are clearly an antidote to other aggressions," Zelensky said. The world can see how a free people protects itself from conquerors. "If we can do it, so can others." Every year on 8 May, Europe commemorates the end of the Second World War.

Zelensky's speech is also likely to be directed against Russian propaganda in view of the upcoming victory parade in Moscow. For the Kremlin, this claims a monopoly on victory against Hitler's Germany in World War II and glorifies its own war of aggression against Ukraine as a continuation of the Soviet defensive struggle.

In view of Russian drone attacks, which were largely repelled, Zelensky also thanked the air defense. On the other hand, Zelensky said little about the upcoming Ukrainian offensive, with which Kyiv wants to regain its own soil. He spoke only of "good news" in the supply of ammunition, without giving details. The supply of ammunition has been a major problem for both warring parties for months.

Zelensky also called for faster mine clearance. In Ukraine, 170,000 square kilometers - almost half the area of Germany - are contaminated with mines. Normally, such an eviction takes decades, but it has to be faster, he said.

During the night, an air strike warning was issued for two-thirds of Ukraine. It applies to the capital Kiev and the entire east of the country. According to information from Kiev, air defense became active in the outskirts of the metropolis in the early hours of Tuesday morning. In addition, explosions were heard.

German Inspector General: "Ukraine is fighting for all of us"

The Inspector General of the Bundeswehr, Carsten Breuer, gives priority to further military support for Ukraine in defending itself against the Russian aggressors. "The fight to the death justifies restrictions on training and material availability in our country. Supporting the brave Ukrainian armed forces in the fight against the Russian aggressor is our top priority," the highest-ranking German soldier told the German Press Agency after a visit to the Ukrainian capital Kyiv. The general reiterated: "Ukraine is fighting for all of us."