Europe marks 80 years since VE day as continent faces new security realities

France celebrated its VE Day with grand ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary since the end of World War II, including President Macron laying wreaths at Paris’s Charles de Gaulle statue. Germany is also holding VE Day for the first time as its relationship with Russia evolves amidst U.S.-Russia tensions and Ukraine’s conflict. Both countries are using this opportunity to honor fallen soldiers while reflecting on Europe’s precarious peace today.