Putin invites world leaders to May 9th parade: EU warns of consequences
Kaja Kallas (Photo: Getty Images)
The government of Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited the leaders of China, India, and Brazil, as well as Slovakia and Serbia, an EU country, to attend the May 9th parade in Moscow. The EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, warned European leaders against participating, according to Politico.
"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," Borrell said.
She added that the EU does not want to see any potential member of the bloc joining Putin's festivities in Moscow.
Counterbalance to Putin's parade
Ukraine is urging EU officials to come to Kyiv on May 9. The visit of European leaders is meant to be a demonstration of diplomatic strength against Putin's annual military Victory Parade in Moscow. On the same day, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy plans to host the leaders of the so-called Coalition of Willing.
The European Union has instructed candidate countries not to participate in the celebrations in Moscow dedicated to the May 9 commemoration.
