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Victory Day in Ukraine – Day of Remembrance and Reconciliation

May 8 is a Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism in the Second World War of 1939-1945. Ukraine honours the memory of the Second World War victims, along with nations of Europe and the United States.

It is a memorable day when all Ukrainians honor the heroic feat of the Ukrainian warriors and their outstanding contribution to the victory over the Anti-Hitler Coalition in World War II together with the other nations of the Soviet Union.  People express respect and solidarity to all fighters against Nazism.

The Nazi Invasion and Occupation of Ukraine

In June 1941, Nazi Germany launched Operation Barbarossa, abruptly breaking the pact and invading the Soviet Union. Ukraine, with its strategic location and valuable resources, became one of the main battlegrounds. The rapid advance of German forces led to the occupation of significant parts of Ukrainian territory, bringing devastating consequences to its people and landscape. Operation “Barbarossa” was a plan of a crusade, an ideological “holy war” aimed at the destruction of the Slavic people.

The onset of the war in Ukraine was marked by brutal combat, large-scale destruction, and egregious human rights violations. Ukrainian cities, towns, and villages faced relentless bombings, sieges, and warfare, leading to immense civilian casualties and suffering. The Nazi occupation implemented oppressive policies, including forced labor, mass executions, and the Holocaust, which saw the murder of a significant portion of Ukraine’s Jewish population.

The total irreversible human losses of Ukraine in this war, including those killed, died in concentration camps, starved to death, evacuated, sent to labor works in Germany, and never returned, make up to 14 million people. From January 1, 1941, to January 1, 1945, the population of Ukraine decreased from 40,9 million to 27 million people.

A Visit to the World War II Museum in Kyiv

In my list of private tours in Kyiv, there’s one that really stands out: the World War II Museum tour. I’ve always loved this place; it means a lot to me. Ever since I was in school, I’ve been really into World War II history – my fascination with this era began in my school years.

The World War II Museum in Kyiv has this one exhibit that makes you stop and think – the hall dedicated to the Nazi occupation of Ukraine from 1941 to 1944. This part of the museum does an incredible job of bringing that dark time to life, showing what life was like under Nazi rule.

There are authentic artifacts, photographs, and personal stories that paint a vivid picture of the hardships and bravery during those years. You’ll see everything from everyday items people used to survive, to letters and diaries that share their innermost thoughts and fears.

Visitors of the Museum on May 9, 2017
Hedgehog is a simple anti-tank barrier invented in Czechoslovakia and improved by the Ukrainian Major-General of Engineering Troops Michael Gorikker in 1941.
Nazi factories of death.
A bone grinder for crushing bodies. The dreadful tool which the Nazis used in the Janovska concentration camp in Lviv. To process the bones of the executed prisoners into fertilizer.
Relic materials and items of the Soviet partisans and members of underground organizations.
Exhibits and belongings of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the struggle in eastern Ukraine from 2014 to 2020 against Russian invaders.
Rockets of the Soviet rocket launchers ‘Katusha’.

The Fall of the Third Reich: A Collection of Nazi Trophies

There’s an impressive section devoted to the trophies of the Nazi Third Reich. This part of the exhibition sheds light on the downfall of Hitler’s regime and showcases the relics and symbols of the Third Reich’s defeat. As you walk through, you’ll come across a range of items – from captured German military equipment and insignia to propaganda materials that once spread the toxic ideology of the Nazis.

This exhibit is designed to give visitors a tangible sense of the scale and nature of the Third Reich’s military and political machinery. Each item in the collection tells its own story of resistance, survival, and eventual victory. It’s a reminder of the dark chapters of human history, but also a testament to the strength and spirit of those who fought for freedom.

For those keen on exploring deeper into World War II history in Germany, especially its darkest periods including the tyranny of the Third Reich, the Holocaust, and the Nazi Regime, I highly recommend connecting with my colleague in Berlin, Matti. He offers Private Tours of Berlin that are tailored to provide a comprehensive understanding of these significant and somber chapters of history.

Nazi helmets, maps, and pictures on bricks symbolize bloody battles and the defeat of Nazi troops.
The boats were used in the battle for Kyiv liberation – Dnipro forcing. “The Battle for the Dnipro” diorama in the central wall of the hall.
WWII Kiev museum tour
“Battle for the Dnipro” sculptural installation, right in the center of the WWII Museum complex area.

The World War II Museum in Kyiv offers a profound and immersive journey through one of history’s most tumultuous times. The exhibits, particularly the hall dedicated to the Nazi occupation of Ukraine and the display of Third Reich trophies, provide visitors with a deep, emotional understanding of the war’s impact on Ukraine and the broader world.

This museum is not just a place of history; it’s a place of reflection, learning, and remembrance. Whether you’re deeply interested in World War II history or looking to understand the resilience of the human spirit, a visit to this museum is an essential, eye-opening experience.

About the author:

Victoria Deshko Avatar

Dear Reader! My name is Victoria and I’m a private tour guide in Kyiv and fingers and lens behind this blog. If you feel for that, do not hesitate to contact me via email at myukraine4u@gmail.com. You can also check out the blog on my website, www.bestkievguide.com, for more interesting posts.

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