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Photos: Meaning of war anniversary varies as conflict in Ukraine simmers

May 8, 2015 10:56AM ET

Russia and Ukraine attach their own meanings to the 70th anniversary observance of defeat of Nazis

Topics:
International
World War II
Russia
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World War 2 anniversary
Urban climbers install a poppy crown on the Motherland Monument in Kiev, Ukraine, May 8, 2015 during a ceremony marking 70 years since the end of WWII. For the first time, the ex-Soviet country will mark May 8 as a "Day of Memory and Reconciliation". Anatolii Stepanov / AFP / Getty Images
World War 2 anniversary
A Ukrainian cadet lays flowers at the Museum of Great Patriotic War, May 5, 2015. In remembering the war, Ukraine has chosen to emphasize a theme of reconciliation, while Russia will celebrate victory and military might in its observance on May 9. Valentyn Ogirenko / Reuters
World War 2 anniversary
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, right, joins Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko as they lay poppies at the Museum of the Great Patriotic War in Kiev, May 8, 2015. Gleb Garanich / Reuters
World War 2 anniversary
A participant wearing a vintage military uniform rests on Red Square after a rehearsal of the Victory Day observance in Moscow, May 7, 2015. Most European leaders are snubbing the event because of Russia's actions in eastern Ukraine. Alexander Aksakov / Getty Images
World War 2 anniversary
New T-14 tanks festooned with the ribbon of St. George participate in a rehearsal for the Victory Day parade. Alexander Aksakov / Getty Images
World War 2 anniversary
Actors dressed as Communist leaders Lenin, left, and Stalin, right, pose (for money) with a man wearing the orange and black ribbon of St. George, which has become synonymous with Russian power and expansionism during the conflict in Ukraine. Sean Gallup / Getty Images
World War 2 anniversary
A tourist ponders buying a t-shirt with a portrait of Russian President Vladimir Putin that reads: "I don't abandon friends." Sean Gallup / Getty Images
World War 2 anniversary
Members of the pro-Russian motorcycle group “Night Wolves” pose at the site where Germany formally surrendered, in Berlin, Germany, May 8, 2015. The group traveled to Berlin after their attempt to trace the 1945 path of the Red Army was thwarted by Polish authorities. Hannival Hanschke / Reuters
World War 2 anniversary
One of the Night Wolves wears the ribbon of St. George and the putative flag of “Novorossiya” the name some have given to the portion of the Ukraine controlled by Russia. Hannibal Hanschke / Reuters

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Photos: Ukraine village caught in fighting struggles back to life

As fighting ebbs, humanitarian aid and the grim recovery of war dead. Photos by Andrew Burton

Topics:
International
Ukraine Crisis