Don't use WWII celebrations to glorify Russia’s war against Ukraine

10.05.2023 18:31

Don't use WWII celebrations to glorify Russia’s war against Ukraine

Members and supporters of the motorcycle gang "Nachtwölfe" drive in front of the Brandenburg Gate to visit the Soviet Memorial at the Tiergarten on the occasion of the 74th anniversary of Russia

The EPP Group in the European Parliament is concerned that in different European capitals, local people from Russian diaspora, inspired by Kremlin propaganda, are celebrating not only the end of WWII, but also using this opportunity to glorify Russia’s war against Ukraine.

“The European Union is based on the values of democracy, rule of law, freedom of speech and freedom of association, which Russian people are denied back home, in Russia itself. But freedom of speech cannot be used to glorify the international crime of war aggression. Such a glorification is a crime in itself”, said Sandra Kalniete MEP.

“EU citizens have the right to be defended by their authorities against the Kremlin glorification of Russia’s murderous war against Ukraine, even if that is done during celebrations of the end of WWII. Glorification of this war, while celebrating the end of WWII, is a mockery of all the victims of WWII”, added Andrius Kubilius MEP.

Note to editors

The EPP Group is the largest political group in the European Parliament with 176 Members from all EU Member States

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