Sweden warns Russians: May 9 rally could cost residency
Illustrative photo: Russians plan a May 9 event in Stockholm (flickr.com/weho)
Swedish media have learned about plans by Russians linked to the Immortal Regiment to hold a car rally in Stockholm for the so-called Victory Day on May 9. This has sparked outrage from Minister for Migration Johan Forssell, according to the Swedish outlet Expressen and the minister’s statement on the social media platform X.
According to Expressen, participants in the planned car rally - held annually by Russians in Stockholm on May 9 - include a former neo-Nazi leader, a former employee of Russia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, and outspoken supporters of Vladimir Putin.
Expressen reports that the rally participants have ties to the Kremlin-linked organization Immortal Regiment, which holds yearly propaganda events for May 9 in Russia and abroad.
Expressen’s report sparked outrage from Sweden’s Minister for Migration. On social media, he wrote that the situation "makes him angry" and hinted that Russians could face serious consequences for participating in the rally.
"Ties to extremist movements may fall under the new conduct requirement for obtaining a residence permit. We have no obligation to show hospitality to people who threaten our public order or security," Forssell emphasized.
As a reminder, Russia has canceled this year’s Immortal Regiment events. Russian propagandists claimed the decision was made for security reasons, but British intelligence uncovered the real motives behind the cancellation of May 9 events in the country.
Earlier, British intelligence also reported that regions across Russia had scrapped parades and large-scale Victory Day celebrations due to the heavy losses suffered by the Russian army in its war against Ukraine.
Still, Moscow plans to go ahead with its parade this year, and Putin has invited his allies to attend. However, not all of them are likely to show up. Today, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić suddenly fell ill.
India’s defense minister has already officially canceled his trip to the Moscow parade, citing escalating tensions with Pakistan. A lower-ranking official will attend in his place.
The visit of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is also uncertain. He recently canceled official May Day events, and media speculate that Fico may still be facing health issues following last year’s assassination attempt.
