A top European diplomat has warned against visits to Russia as the country prepares for its military celebrations in mere weeks. May 9 marks Victory Day, which every year sees extravagant military parades showing off the country’s capabilities and Vladimir Putin speaking as the guest of honour. This year, marking the milestone 80th anniversary of Russia’s defeat of Nazi Germany, Moscow has reportedly extended invites to the leaders of China, India, Brazil, Slovakia, and Serbia, as per Russian media.
Kaja Kallas, Vice-President of the European Commission, said leaders should not attend in a show of support for Ukraine as the three-year-long war continues. She said: “What was also discussed very clearly, and said by different member states, is that any participation in the 9th May parades or celebrations in Moscow will not be taken lightly on the European side, considering that Russia is really waging a full-scale war in Europe.”
Serbia is currently trying to become a member of the EU, and Kallas warned that the bloc does not want to see any potential members in attendance at the Victory Day parades.
She added: “We made it very clear that we don’t want any [EU] candidate country to participate in these events on the 9th of May in Moscow – that was very clear.
“I’ve also called all the member states but also representatives of the institutions to visit Kyiv as much as possible to show really our solidarity and that we are with Ukraine.”
Despite this warning and ongoing accession talks with the EU, Serbian President Aleksander Vucic said last month that he had spoken with Putin and planned to attend.
Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico has already confirmed that he will attend, whereas Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has declined the invitation.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has attended in previous years, but may not this year as he is due in Washington in early May.
Reports surfaced suggesting Donald Trump would attend the parades, but he has since denied this.
This Victory Day will mark 80 years since the defeat of Nazi Germany and takes place the day after Victory in Europe Day (VE Day).