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Over 20 World Leaders to Attend Russian Victory Day Parade in Moscow, Kremlin Says
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![Amira_barkhush]( "Photo of Amira Barkhush")
More than 20 heads of state and government are expected to attend the Victory Day Parade in Moscow on May 9, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, as reported by Interfax.
“It can already be said that we are expecting more than 20 heads of state and government to join President Putin in celebrating this holiday,” Peskov told reporters on April 15.
He emphasized that Russia would be happy to welcome everyone who is ready to celebrate this “grand date” alongside the Russian people.
In response to reporters' questions, the Kremlin spokesperson also commented on reports that Kyiv plans to host a “diplomat parade” on May 9, with diplomats supporting the current Ukrainian government.
“The very fact that Zelenskyy does not want to celebrate Victory Day on May 9 is, of course, at least disrespectful to the memory of his grandfather, which, frankly, is not new. But it further highlights that this is precisely the regime that reacts sensitively to days like May 9. And it underscores once again the correctness of the Russian side, the correctness of President Putin, who is doing what needs to be done,” Peskov said.
According to RTVI, among the leaders expected to visit Moscow for the Victory Day Parade are those from China, Brazil, India, Slovakia, Serbia, and others.
On April 14, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha extended an invitation to his EU counterparts during a meeting in Luxembourg, urging them to “show our unity and resolve in the face of the biggest aggression in Europe since the Second World War.”
The European Union’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas warned European leaders on April 14 against participating in Moscow’s military celebrations on May 9, inviting them to show solidarity with Ukraine instead.
“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,” Kallas told journalists in Luxembourg following a meeting of foreign ministers.
On the same day, Steve Witkoff, a special envoy for US President Donald Trump, has revealed new details about his recent visit to Russia, describing a lengthy conversation with Putin focused on ending the war in Ukraine through a deal centered around control of “five territories.”
At the same time, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg have advised Trump to adopt a tougher position toward Moscow.
-924c3c302c27387e19f6c44aaeb98745.png "Photo of Maryna Kulakova")
