and Honour" (Xotira va Qadirlash Kuni). It is the only country in the Commonwealth of Independent States to not officially recognize the 9 May holiday as Victory Day. Under President Islam Karimov, the holiday was toned down, with many veterans being told not to wear their Soviet-era decorations or uniforms on the holiday. Since Karimov's death in 2016, the holiday has been celebrated there similarly to how it was celebrated while the country was part of the Soviet Union. Countries formerly celebrating 9 May Bulgaria officially recognized 9 May during its existence as a satellite state of the Soviet Union. Since 1989, all official celebrations of 9 May have been cancelled. As in other EC countries, Victory Day in Bulgaria is 8 May, whereas 9 May is Europe Day. However, many still gather unofficially (particularly russophiles, eurosceptics and leftists) to celebrate Victory Day on 9 May. Flowers are generally laid at the Monument to the Soviet Army in Sofia. Romania officially recognized 9 May as a public holiday during its existence as a satellite state of the Soviet Union. The holiday also commemorated independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1878. Victory Day in Romania is now celebrated on 8 May, whereas 9 May is celebrated as Europe Day. However, some Russophiles, Eurosceptics and leftists gather at informal meetings to celebrate Victory Day on 9 May. Thus, it may mark a triple celebration in the country. Unrecognized states celebrating Victory Day The Donetsk People's Republic has officially recognised 9 May since its declaration of statehood in 2014. The holiday is similarly celebrated there as it was part of Ukraine. The Luhansk People's Republic has officially recognised 9 May since its declaration of statehood in 2014. The holiday is similarly celebrated there as it was part of Ukraine. Transnistria has officially recognised 9 May since its declaration of independence in 1990. From 1951 the holiday was similarly celebrated there while the country was part of the Soviet Union. The Republic of Artsakh has officially recognised 9 May since its declaration of independence in 1991. From 1951 the holiday was similarly celebrated there while the country was part of the Soviet Union. It coincides with the country's Liberation Day, celebrating the Armenian victory in the Capture of Shushi. Abkhazia has officially recognised 9 May since its declaration of independence in 1990. From 1951 the holiday was similarly celebrated there while the country was