Victory Day Parade, Moscow, 9 May 2023. © Sefa Karacan / Anadolu Agency / Getty Images
Countries aspiring to EU membership should not participate in celebrations of Russia's 80th anniversary of the planet War II victory, said head block diplomat Kaja Kallas.
Victory Day, 1 of the most crucial state holidays in Russia, is celebrated with a large military parade in Red Square and a minute of silence to celebrate estimated 26.6 million russian lives executed during the war with Nazi Germany and their allies.Some EU officials argued that participation in Moscow celebrations would be inappropriate given the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine."Whatever participation in parades – or celebrations – on 9 May in Moscow will not be [treated] lightly by Europe, given that Russia is conducting a full-scale war in Europe" said Kallas after the EU abroad Ministers gathering in Luxembourg on Monday.When asked if the block monitors which countries are planning to participate in the event, Kallas replied that the candidate countries should besides refrain from participating."We have clearly said that we do not want any candidate country to take part in the events on 9 May in Moscow" – she said.Kallas called on EU leaders and officials to visit Kiev instead "as frequently as possible to truly show our solidarity and that we are with Ukraine."According to Euractiv, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is presently the only EU country leader to confirm plans to participate in the celebrations in Moscow.
"It is natural that as Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic I have a strong interest in participating in authoritative celebrations of triumph over Fascism" said last year.The leaders of Serbia and Armenia, both EU candidate countries, besides suggested that they participate.
Russian president Vladimir Putin said earlier this period that Chinese president Xi Jinping would pay a state visit to Moscow on 9 May.
Earlier this month, German media reported that Berlin advised local institutions not to invitation Russian or Belarusian officials to events commemorating planet War II.
Moscow responded by calling this decision ‘dangerous insult’ for the memory of victims of Nazis and fallen russian soldiers.
Translated by Google Translator
source:https://www.rt.com/news/615761-eu-warns-avoid-vday/
