Ukrainian troops are to join the British Armed Forces for a historic VE Day parade to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
The event will mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe on 8 May 1945, when the Allies accepted the surrender of Nazi Germany.
Ukrainian personnel will join more than 1,300 members of the Armed Forces, uniformed services and young people in a march from Parliament Square to Buckingham Palace.
The march will "highlight the importance of our ongoing defence of freedom against tyranny," the Ministry of Defence said.
Ukrainian troops rehearsing for VE Day 80
MoD
Ukrainian troops rehearsing for VE Day 80
MoD
The Ukrainian forces taking part in the parade will comprise those deployed to the UK on Operation Interflex – the UK Armed Forces’ training programme for Ukrainian recruits.
The UK, along with its 12 partners, have trained around 54,000 Ukrainians in essential combat skills since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
The operation has been extended to at least the end of 2025, with an enhanced training programme to ensure the Ukrainian forces are equipped with vital battlefield skills.
The parade, featuring a military procession and flypast, kicks off four days of commemorative events.
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Ukrainian troops marching in rehearsal of VE Day 80 parade
MoD
Ukrainian troops marching in rehearsal of VE Day 80 parade
MOD
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said it is "fitting" the Ukrainian forces are present.
"Eighty years after VE Day, we will celebrate our wartime veterans, our Greatest Generation", he said.
"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 frontline of freedom are represented in Monday’s event.
"As a Government, we are determined to renew the nation’s contract with those who served – and have served. This week is an opportunity for our entire nation to pay thanks to our veterans and our Armed Forces for their courage and dedication."
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."
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said it is 'fitting' the Ukrainian forces are present
PA
Ukrainian troops march in formation in preparation of VE Day 80
MoD
The procession will begin at midday when Big Ben strikes, with an actor reciting extracts from Winston Churchill's iconic VE Day speech.
The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and The King's Troop will lead the procession from Parliament Square, down Whitehall past the Cenotaph, through Admiralty Arch and up The Mall to Buckingham Palace.
The procession will conclude with a flypast featuring the Red Arrows and 23 current and historic military aircraft.
Only around 70,000 veterans of the "Greatest Generation" are still alive today.
Market Garden Veteran Geoff Roberts, 99, previously said: "I think it’s very important in these current times we remember those that gave their lives for our freedom and peace in Europe."
