© Getty Images Moscow employs May 9 to bolster Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
The European Union has entreated national leaders to journey to Kyiv, instead of Moscow, on May 9. This appeal extends not just to EU member states, but also to aspiring nations, some of whom harbor pro-Kremlin sentiments.
This declaration was made in Brussels on Thursday by Anitta Hipper, the spokesperson for the European Commission for Foreign Affairs, in response to media inquiries regarding the potential ramifications for leaders choosing to participate in events in Moscow, as occurred in the preceding year when Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic traveled to Moscow, Interfax-Ukraine reports.
Moscow leverages May 9 to promote Russia’s warfare against Ukraine, and the attendance of leaders from other nations portrays them as allies in the eyes of the global community, even if it is mainly a sign of politeness.
“Regarding May 9, we commemorate Europe and all its ideals, specifically peace, unity, prosperity, and security. Values that Russia fundamentally opposes. Consequently, the significance of May 9 for Russia lies in its utilization of the commemorations of the conclusion of World War II to advance and legitimize a comprehensive invasion of Ukraine. The High Representative has communicated unequivocally to both EU member states and candidate nations: to demonstrate solidarity, presence in Kyiv is essential, not in Moscow,” Hipper clarified.
As a reminder, this year's procession on Red Square in Moscow will diverge from past iterations. It will transpire without substantial military hardware. The Moscow parade on May 9 will showcase scenes of Russian military personnel executing combat operations and an aerial demonstration, but no armored vehicles or missile systems will be displayed.
Anticipated attendees encompass Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and dignitaries from CIS nations and regions in Asia, Africa, and Latin America that are loyal to Russia. Leaders from four nations affirmed their participation in the parade on April 29.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, announced on April 29 that the parade in Moscow would be conducted in a “condensed format.”