Ukraine to join Victory Day parade in UK as Russia rejects British mediator role

Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel will march in a major Victory Day parade in London on May 6, in a symbolic gesture of Western solidarity amid ongoing conflict with Russia.

The event, commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), marks the end of World War II hostilities in Europe and underscores the growing defence ties between the United Kingdom and Ukraine, Caliber.Az reports via Ukrainian media.

The parade will feature around 1,000 British troops, cavalry units, and military bands. Ukrainian soldiers will join the march as a visible expression of international support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.

"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," said UK Defence Secretary John Healey.

Commemorative events in London will also include an air show and a thanksgiving service at Westminster Abbey, expected to be attended by members of the British royal family. While VE Day is traditionally marked on May 8 in the UK, US, and France, Russia, as the successor state to the Soviet Union, observes Victory Day on May 9.

However, the participation of Ukrainian troops in UK-led celebrations has drawn criticism from Moscow. Commenting on the situation, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the notion of the UK serving as a potential mediator in the Ukrainian conflict, citing London's overt support for Kyiv.

“London has not even pretended particularly to the role of a mediator so far. A mediator can be someone who has an equal distance in relation to the parties to the conflict. London is neither positioned nor qualified to serve in such a capacity,” Peskov said in response to questions from journalists.

His comments came after British officials extended formal invitations to Ukrainian servicemen to participate in VE Day observances—an act viewed by Russia as confirmation of Britain’s partiality.

By Vafa Guliyeva