Ukraine makes a significant contribution to the fight against Nazism — just as it did in the 20th century during World War II, so too now in the 21st century, as our soldiers defend Europe and the world from Russian Nazism.
Our enemy seeks to label Ukraine as a “fascist country.” However, we remind the world of the Ukrainian people’s role in defeating Nazism in the 20th century. The following summary, prepared by a professional historian serving in the 77th Brigade, offers convincing figures and facts about Ukraine’s contribution.
Contribution of Ukraine to the Victory over Nazism in World War II:
World War II was the bloodiest and most brutal war in human history, affecting 80% of the world’s population and causing between 50 to 85 million deaths. Amid the global effort, Ukraine made a substantial contribution to defeating Nazism and achieving peace.
Nazi leadership viewed Ukraine — with its powerful economy and rich resources — as “living space” for colonization, and a source of raw materials, food, and labor for the Reich and Wehrmacht.
Ukraine’s vital role made it a primary battleground of the Soviet-German front and among the largest theaters of World War II. Major battles took place on Ukrainian soil, including the largest tank battle near Lutsk–Rivne–Brody, the Kyiv and Odesa defensive operations, the Battle of the Dnipro, the Korsun–Shevchenkivskyi operation, and others. The Battle of the Dnipro marked a turning point in the war.
A total of 607 enemy divisions — 60% of Germany’s ground forces — were defeated in Ukraine. Ukraine lost 7–8 million military personnel. According to historians, each day of offensive fighting on Ukrainian soil cost 60,000 lives, 60–70% of whom were Ukrainians. Around 1 million more Ukrainians died in Europe fighting Nazism.
Civilian losses were also immense, with demographic estimates reaching 13–13.5 million people.
Ukrainian diaspora members fought alongside American and Canadian forces, opening the second front in Europe in June 1944.
Ukrainians became part of resistance movements both within Soviet Ukraine and abroad, joining partisan groups, underground organizations, and revolts in death camps.
Ukrainian scientific contributions were also important: for example, the Institute of Electric Welding under Yevhen Paton developed submerged arc welding, which improved tank durability. Medical innovations saved tens of thousands of wounded soldiers.
Ukraine withstood the fight against Nazism. In 1945, the global community recognized Ukraine’s contribution — Ukraine became a founding member of the United Nations among 47 states.
Communications Department of the 77th Separate Air Assault Dnipro Brigade of the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces.
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