Ukrainian Soldiers March with British Troops at VE Day 80th Anniversary in London

Ukrainian Troops Stand Side by Side with British Forces on VE Day

May 5, 2025, wasn’t just another day on London’s packed event calendar. This time, the city’s streets became a sharp symbol of resilience and unity as Ukrainian soldiers marched with British Forces for the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE Day). The massive procession, right in the heart of the city, brought a new edge to an event usually focused on history. The presence of Ukrainian uniforms made it unmistakably about the now.

About 1,000 personnel from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army, and Royal Air Force created a sea of disciplined color as they paraded through Parliament Square. Among them, the Ukrainian contingent stood out—not just for their striking blue and yellow patches, but for the powerful message they sent to anyone watching: Ukraine’s fight for freedom is a global concern. Londoners and visitors packed the sidewalks, their applause cutting through the spring air as the military bands kicked off the march. As the troops passed, groups waved Ukrainian flags, some stained with rain and years of use, others freshly purchased for the occasion.

The event wasn’t all about solemn remembrance. Thirty minutes after the march started, eyes turned skyward for the unmistakable roar of the Red Arrows. Their red, white, and blue smoke snaked across the sky, quickly followed by historic World War II aircraft—flying reminders of the past’s perils and triumphs.

Operation Interflex: Training for Modern Battlefields

The Ukrainian troops in the spotlight aren’t just symbolic guests. They’re graduates of Operation Interflex, a UK-led training mission that began in 2022. More than 54,000 Ukrainian soldiers have learned everything from basic infantry maneuvers to advanced frontline tactics under British instructors. Lately, with shifting battle lines and new threats, the British Ministry of Defence has cranked up both the intensity and scope of this program.

For the British government, the significance of Ukrainian participation runs deep. Defence Minister John Healey spelled it out clearly, saying that having Ukraine’s soldiers on parade was a show of ‘global support for their continued fight for freedom’. PM Keir Starmer, in an open letter addressed to the nation’s veterans, talked about ‘selfless dedication’ and the need to keep alliances strong, words that resonated on a day thick with references to alliances past and present.

In the midst of all this, the WWII veterans still played a central role—none more so than Jack Mortimer, a 101-year-old survivor of the D-Day landings. From his seat in the Queen Victoria Memorial’s royal box, Mortimer watched history overlap, with new defenders of democracy taking center stage right where he did generations ago.

The royal family lent extra gravity to the ceremony, with King Charles, Queen Camilla, William, and Kate all in attendance. Their presence echoed support not just for remembrance, but for today’s Ukrainians living through a conflict that increasingly draws lines between democracy and authoritarianism.

The celebrations won’t be just one day. On May 8, a service of thanksgiving will fill Westminster Abbey, marking both the end of WWII in Europe and highlighting the enduring partnerships shaping the present fight for freedom. Meanwhile, Ukrainian recruits continue to file through Operation Interflex, returning home to battles that make the lessons of 1945 feel anything but distant.