Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed designating May 8 as his country's World War Two Victory Day. This is in defiance of Russia, which recognizes May 9 as the day of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany.

In a video message on Monday, Zelenskyy said he had submitted a bill that would designate May 8 as the Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism in World War Two. He added it is on that day that most nations of the world remember the greatness of the victory over the evil Nazis.

Zelenskyy said that "evil has returned ... to our cities and villages." He likened Russia to the Nazis, saying, "Although now it is another aggressor, the goal is the same -- enslavement or destruction."

Zelenskyy also proposed May 9 to be marked as Europe Day, commemorating the historic unity of all Europeans, who destroyed Nazism and will defeat Russia.

He said he is sure the world will call the day when Ukrainians expel the last occupier from their land "Ukraine's Victory Day."

Zelenskyy said Ukrainians do not know the date of their victory but they know it will be a holiday for all of Ukraine, all of Europe and the entire world.