Eighty years ago the Second World War ended in Europe. In Germany, solemn commemorations were overshadowed by a new war. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier rejected Russian claims that its war against Ukraine was a continuation of its fight against fascism.
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00:00Germany commemorating the end of the most destructive and deadly war in European history, which it started in 1939.
00:11It was not just the momentous events of eight years ago in the minds of the lawmakers in the Bundestag.
00:20German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier condemned Moscow for its ongoing war against Ukraine.
00:28He accused the Kremlin of falsely portraying the attack as a continuation of the anti-fascist struggle of World War II.
00:37This historical lie is a glorification of imperial delusions, grave injustices and the most serious crimes.
00:45If we were to leave Ukraine unprotected and defenseless, that would mean betraying the lessons of May 8.
00:53At the same time, Steinmeier paid tribute to the victims of the Red Army, which played a key role in the liberation of Europe.
01:02Earlier, Steinmeier also attended a ceremony at the Neue Wache in Berlin.
01:10This is another building that testifies to Germany's history.
01:15The remains of an unknown soldier and a nameless concentration camp victim are interred here, and today it is Germany's memorial to the victims of war and tyranny.
01:25Steinmeier laid a wreath in silence along with other leaders, including Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
01:31May 8th is known as Liberation Day in Germany in recognition of how the Allies brought freedom to Germans after years of tyranny under the Nazis.
01:43It's a day that serves as a perpetual reminder of Germany's guilt in that war, and this year also as a warning to protect liberty.