Poland's president Bronislaw Komorowski is leading international commemorations today marking the 70th anniversary of the end of the second World War, a gathering meant as an alternative celebration to Moscow's Red Square parade tomorrow.
Mr Komorowski organised the ceremonies in Gdansk in reaction to the deep divisions between the West and Russia over Moscow's actions in Ukraine.
Though many western leaders are boycotting the May 9th commemorations in Moscow, few have agreed to come to the Polish event. The guest list, however, does include UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon, European Council president Donald Tusk, and the presidents of Ukraine and several central European countries.
The main commemoration will take place on the Westerplatte Peninsula in Gdansk, the site of some of the first shots fired by Germany against Poland at the start of the war.
Meanwhile, Russians are preparing to celebrate the Victory Day holiday with great pomp tomorrow. – (PA)