Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently traveled to Poland to participate in the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. This pivotal event, which took place on January 27, 1945, marked the liberation of thousands of innocent lives and served as a somber reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust. Zelensky's attendance was not only a gesture of remembrance but also a statement against the evils of hatred, genocide, and the ongoing struggles for freedom and human rights.

Joining many other European heads of state and government at the event, Zelensky's visit was especially meaningful given the ongoing war in Ukraine and his country’s complex relationship with Russia. The event focused on the memory of the Holocaust and the importance of ensuring that such atrocities are never repeated. As a leader who himself has Jewish heritage, Zelensky's remarks resonated deeply, reminding the world that the fight against hatred and destruction is as relevant today as it was during the Holocaust.

The Significance of the Auschwitz Commemoration

The Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp was one of the largest and most notorious Nazi death camps during World War II. It was the site of the systematic extermination of over one million Jewish people, as well as the deaths of thousands of others, including Roma, disabled individuals, political prisoners, and Soviet prisoners of war. The liberation of Auschwitz on January 27, 1945, by the Soviet Red Army symbolized the beginning of the end for the Nazi regime, but it also left the world with an indelible memory of the horrors of genocide.

Every year, on the anniversary of the camp’s liberation, survivors, world leaders, and citizens gather to pay tribute to the victims and to remember the lessons of history. However, as time passes, fewer survivors are able to attend these commemorations, and the memory of the Holocaust risks fading from public consciousness. This makes each commemoration even more important—both as a solemn tribute to those who perished and as a reminder of the ongoing responsibility to fight against intolerance, hatred, and persecution in all its forms.

Zelensky's Reflections and Statements on the Holocaust

During his visit, Zelensky made powerful statements about the importance of remembering the Holocaust and its victims. He emphasized that while the crime of the Holocaust should never be repeated, its memory is slowly fading from the public consciousness. In his words, “The crime of the Holocaust may never be repeated, but its memory is unfortunately gradually fading.” This statement struck a chord, particularly in an era where rising nationalism, anti-Semitism, and other forms of intolerance are once again gaining ground in parts of the world.

Zelensky’s own Jewish heritage lends a personal and poignant dimension to his reflections. As a leader of a country that has experienced its own history of suffering and destruction, his words carry weight and urgency. He continued by warning that “the evil that aims to destroy the life of entire nations continues to exist in the world.” His message was clear: despite the lessons of history, the threat of genocide and human rights abuses remains. This sentiment resonates particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, where Zelensky has repeatedly spoken out about the dangers of unchecked power and aggression.

Visiting Babi Yar: A Symbol of Soviet-Occupied Ukraine's Tragedy

Before attending the Auschwitz commemoration, Zelensky visited Babi Yar, a ravine in Kyiv, Ukraine, where over 33,000 Jews were murdered by Nazi forces in a series of massacres in September 1941. This site remains one of the most notorious examples of mass murder during the Holocaust. Zelensky’s visit to Babi Yar highlighted the deep connection between Ukraine and the Holocaust, underscoring the country’s role in both the tragedy and its aftermath.

The Babi Yar massacre stands as a stark reminder of the horrors faced by Jewish people and other minorities during the Nazi occupation of Eastern Europe. However, it also serves as a symbol of resilience, as Ukraine continues to reckon with its past and confront the ongoing crisis with Russia. By visiting this site, Zelensky demonstrated that Ukraine’s fight for freedom and sovereignty is not only about territorial integrity but also about ensuring that the dark chapters of history are not forgotten and that the lessons of the Holocaust continue to guide future generations.

Ukraine and the Ongoing Struggle for Freedom

For Zelensky and the people of Ukraine, the commemoration of Auschwitz’s liberation is deeply intertwined with their own struggle for freedom and survival. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Zelensky has been an outspoken advocate for Ukraine's sovereignty and independence, often framing the current conflict as a battle for the future of democracy and human rights. His words at the Auschwitz ceremony were a reflection of this ongoing struggle: “Russia apparently did not understand the value of freedom,” he said, referring to the Kremlin’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine.

This statement highlights a broader theme of the Auschwitz commemoration: the fight for freedom is timeless and universal. The Holocaust was not just an atrocity committed by one regime against a particular group of people; it was an attack on the very values of humanity. The Nazi ideology that led to the mass extermination of millions of people was built on hatred, racism, and the denial of basic human rights. In much the same way, the current conflict between Ukraine and Russia represents a clash of values—freedom versus oppression, democracy versus dictatorship, and human dignity versus tyranny.

As Ukraine continues to defend itself against Russian aggression, Zelensky’s visit to Auschwitz serves as a reminder of the stakes involved—not just for Ukraine, but for the entire world. The atrocities of the Holocaust cannot be allowed to fade into history. The fight against tyranny and oppression is ongoing, and it is the responsibility of every nation and every individual to ensure that the lessons of the past are never forgotten.

The Absence of Putin at the Commemoration

One notable difference in this year’s Auschwitz commemoration was the absence of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Unlike previous years, when Russia participated in the event, Putin was not invited to attend the 80th anniversary ceremony. This exclusion is significant, especially given the ongoing war in Ukraine and the strained relations between Russia and much of the international community.

The decision to exclude Putin was made by the Auschwitz-Birkenau state museum’s director, Piotr Cywinski, who stated that “freedom, along with Holocaust victims, was at the center of the event.” Cywinski also remarked that Russia, under Putin’s leadership, “apparently did not understand the value of freedom,” a comment that was widely interpreted as a direct reference to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This exclusion of Putin from the commemoration underscored the deepening rift between Russia and much of the world, as well as the growing international condemnation of the Russian government’s actions in Ukraine.

The absence of Russia at this year’s event is symbolic of the broader geopolitical context in which the Holocaust is being remembered. The Holocaust was an event in which the world’s powers failed to act in time to stop the Nazis, allowing the genocide to unfold. Today, the international community faces a similar challenge in responding to the crisis in Ukraine. The world’s failure to act decisively in the face of growing Russian aggression is a reminder of the importance of standing up against tyranny and preventing atrocities before they can happen.

The Importance of Memory and Education

As time passes and fewer Holocaust survivors remain to share their stories, the importance of education and remembrance grows. Zelensky’s visit to Auschwitz and Babi Yar, as well as his calls for the preservation of Holocaust memory, are part of a broader effort to ensure that future generations understand the full scope of the Holocaust and the lessons it holds. Holocaust education is essential not only for understanding the past but also for preventing the recurrence of such atrocities in the future.

It is crucial that we continue to teach the history of the Holocaust in schools, museums, and other educational institutions. Young people must learn about the dangers of hatred, racism, and discrimination, as well as the importance of protecting human rights and standing up for those who are persecuted. The lessons of the Holocaust are not confined to the past; they are as relevant today as ever, particularly in a world where we are still grappling with issues of intolerance and division.

Moreover, the commemoration of events like the liberation of Auschwitz serves as a reminder of the responsibility we all share in preventing atrocities and protecting human rights. It is not enough to remember the past; we must also work actively to build a world where such horrors can never happen again. As Zelensky stated, “the evil that aims to destroy the life of entire nations continues to exist in the world.” It is up to all of us to ensure that the world remains vigilant and that we continue to fight for freedom, justice, and human dignity.

Conclusion: A Shared Responsibility

Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Poland for the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz was a powerful reminder of the importance of remembrance, education, and the ongoing fight against tyranny. His participation in the event, along with his reflections on the Holocaust and its lessons, highlighted the deep connections between Ukraine’s struggle for freedom and the broader fight for human rights and dignity.

The Auschwitz commemoration was not just about remembering the past; it was about ensuring that the future is shaped by the values of freedom, equality, and justice. As we reflect on the horrors of the Holocaust and the lessons it teaches, we must also recognize the ongoing challenges the world faces today. The fight for freedom and human rights is far from over, and it is the responsibility of all nations, leaders, and individuals to ensure that the horrors of the past are never repeated.