LONDON, May 3, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Ukrainian soldiers will join British military personnel next week for a historic parade in London marking 80 years since the end of World War II in Europe, the UK government announced on Saturday.

Ukrainian personnel will join around 1,000 members of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army and Royal Air Force, "symbolising the global support for their continued fight for freedom against Russia's unprovoked, illegal invasion," the UK's Ministry of Defence said.

The Ukraine representatives on The VE Day march on Monday will comprise those deployed on Operation Interflex, the UK's training programme for Ukrainian recruits, delivered with 12 partner nations.

"Eighty years after VE Day, we will celebrate our wartime veterans, our Greatest Generation. We will ensure their spirit lives on, not just in our Armed Forces but also in our values and commitment to strength through unity," said UK Defence Secretary John Healey.

"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."

VE Day itself is on May 8 but UK commemorations will begin on Monday with the military procession featuring members of the Armed Forces and thousands of members of the public watching along The Mall in central London.

The procession will begin in Parliament Square when Big Ben strikes midday (1100 GMT) and will conclude with a fly past featuring aerobatic team the Red Arrows and 23 current and historic military aircraft.

The UK and partner nations have trained over 54,000 Ukrainians in frontline combat skills since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.

The operation has been extended to at least the end of 2025.

"The participation of Ukrainian service personnel in the VE Day parade in London symbolises our strength, courage and resilience," said Major Pavlo, an officer of the Ukrainian marching contingent.

"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," he added.

Armed Forces personnel from Australia, Canada and New Zealand will also join the procession, which will feature the flags of every Commonwealth nation.