The European Union has urged candidate countries to refrain from participating in Russia’s upcoming Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, scheduled for May 9, 2025. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized that such participation would be viewed unfavorably, especially considering the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
“Any participation in the May 9th parades—or celebrations—in Moscow will not be taken lightly on the European side, considering that Russia is waging a full-scale war in Europe,” Kallas stated following a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg. She further advised candidate nations to avoid attending the event.
Victory Day commemorates the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945 and is marked by a significant military parade on Red Square. While Russia has extended invitations to various countries, including EU members and allies, to attend the 80th anniversary celebrations, the EU’s stance reflects concerns over the symbolic implications of attending such events amid current geopolitical tensions.
In response to Kallas’s remarks, Russian State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin criticized her position, labeling her a “crazy Russophobe” and accusing her of issuing ultimatums to EU member and candidate states regarding their participation in the Victory Day events.
Despite the EU’s advisory, some leaders, such as Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, have accepted invitations to attend the Moscow celebrations, citing historical ties and the significance of the event.
The EU’s call for candidate countries to abstain from attending underscores the broader diplomatic challenges and divisions within Europe concerning relations with Russia during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
