Lower Thirds:

0:05	Report by  Paul Jäger
0:40	Frank-Walter Steinmeier | German President

Script: 

((3 secs Music String quartet)

...Germany commemorating the end of the most destructive and deadly war in European history, which it started in 1939, ((in the historic surroundings of the Reichtag building in Berlin)).  

((1 sec Music))

It was not just the momentous events of 80 years ago in the minds of the lawmakers in the Bundestag.

((1 sec Music))

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier condemned Moscow for its on-going war against Ukraine.

(Steinmeier walks to the podium))

He accused the Kremlin of falsely portraying the attack as a continuation of the anti-fascist struggle of World War II. 

+++Frank-Walter Steinmeier, German President 
"Ultimately, this historical lie is nothing more than a glorification of imperial delusions, grave injustices and the most serious crimes. ((BLITZ))
If we were to leave Ukraine unprotected and defenceless, ladies and gentlemen, that would mean betraying the lessons of May 8."

At the same time, Steinmeier paid tribute to the victims of the Red Army, which played a key role in the liberation of Europe. 
((Steinmeier))
 
Earlier, Steinmeier also attended a ceremony at the Neue Wache in Berlin.  

This is another building that testifies to Germany's history -- the remains of an unknown soldier and a nameless concentration camp victim are interred here and today it is Germany's memorial to the victims of war and tyranny. 

Steinmeier laid a wreath in silence along with other leaders including Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz. 

+++ ATMO 3 secs silence +++
 
May 8th is known as “Liberation Day” in Germany in recognition of how the allies brought freedom to Germans after years of tyranny under the Nazis.  

It's a day that serves as a perpetual reminder of Germany's guilt in that war -- and this year also as a warning to protect liberty.

+++ ATMO Solemn trumpets playing+++

((REPORT ENDS HERE))