Ukraine commemorates 65th anniversary of victory of World War II

Ukraine's Prime Minister Mykola Azarov laid a wreath at the Monument of the Unknown Soldier here on Thursday to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II.

The ceremony was also attended by Ukrainian government officials and diplomats. All present at the event held a minute of silence to honor the war victims.

The war killed at least 5.3 million Ukrainians. And some 2.3 million Ukrainians were deported to Germany for slavery by force.

World War II started on Sept. 1, 1939 when fascist Germany attacked neighboring Poland. It then captured western Ukrainian territories. The war ended on Sept. 2, 1945 after Japan surrendered.

Ukrainian troops actively participated in fighting Japanese aggressor troops.

Source: Xinhua