Ukraine troops to join British forces for VE Day procession

Ukrainian troops will be taking part in the UK's military procession to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day in London on Monday.

They will join about 1,000 UK service personnel from the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the British Army and the Royal Air Force.

Victory in Europe Day, known as VE Day, is celebrated on 8 May each year to mark when the Allies formally accepted Germany's surrender in 1945.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the forces joining together for the procession will symbolise the global support for Ukraine's "continued fight for freedom against Russia's unprovoked, illegal invasion".

Ukraine has been at war with Russia ever since Moscow decided to invade its smaller neighbour back in February 2022.

The representatives of the Ukrainian armed forces taking part in Monday's procession will consist of those deployed to the UK on Operation Interflex - the UK armed forces' training programme for Ukrainian recruits, delivered with 12 partner nations.

The UK and its partners have trained more than 54,000 Ukrainians in frontline combat skills since the programme was established in the summer of 2022.

The MoD said Second World War veterans will be at the heart of the celebrations, watching the procession from the royal box at the Queen Victoria Memorial.

D-Day veteran Jack Mortimer, 101, who will be watching the 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."

Thousands of people are expected to view the procession along The Mall as it kicks off the VE Day 80 commemorations.

The procession will conclude with The Mall being filled by members of the public, and a flypast featuring the Red Arrows and 23 current and historic military aircraft.

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Defence Secretary John Healey 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 front line of freedom are represented in Monday's event."

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."