Holiday or not: Brighton Beach residents told what they think about May 9

“Little Odessa” on the Atlantic coast, as Brighton Beach is called. Brighton with its shops and restaurants, with the language spoken by two-thirds of the population, was quite close to the title of the Russian World of New York. But now such a term here, to put it mildly, is not welcome. Even the Taste of Russia store has changed its sign. Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, what Brighton migrants were brought up on has been turned inside out. What is Victory Day for them now? The answer to this question was found out by the journalists of the portal “Voice of America” at walkers on Brighton Beach.

Here are some answers from those walking around, they did not give their names, so the journalists did not sign them either.

“On Victory Day, we did not sleep all night. And at 4 in the morning, guns were brought from the control plant, which began to shoot fireworks in the city. It is even impossible to talk about it as it was. A victory is a victory. Hitler was destroyed. Victory Day is a common, national holiday, a world holiday.”

“What is the Victory if Kyiv is being smashed? My dad came to Berlin. Mom was evacuated to Central Asia with my younger brother. And this, of course, is a difficult date. And I do not want to celebrate, the soul does not lie. How can you walk, celebrate such holidays? It's grief, it's trouble."

“I’ll tell you honestly, I don’t even want to talk much about this topic. My late aunt, who survived the blockade, she has long been gone from us. She thought it was the biggest holiday.”

On the subject: Victory Day in New York: WWII aircraft and a virtual march

“I myself am from Poland. Since Russia has now made a war, I don't consider it Victory Day. I don't want to celebrate. Somehow sad in my heart that Russia made a war in Ukraine. Russia should generally fall on its knees and ask for forgiveness for what they are doing.”

“Many years have passed since the 45th year. You know, it will never be forgotten. Victory Day. What is happening now is incomprehensible. There will be no victories. They are doing everything they can to keep it going.”

“I don't think it will last long. I am from Ukraine, we have already won. And what can be expected from them? Like an elephant in a china shop. And as Victory Day, I don’t even know now. So many things came together. Emotions, war in the 21st century in Europe...I don't know how they will celebrate. We will when we win.”