Skip to main content
  • Share to or

World leaders spurn Moscow’s invitation to Victory Day celebration

Source: Sankei

Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was the latest head of state to say that he would not be attending Moscow’s celebration of the 70th anniversary of victory in World War II on May 9. Citing government sources, Japanese media claim that one of the main reasons for Abe’s refusal to come to Moscow is the problem of the “northern territories.” This refers to the Kuril Islands in the Pacific Ocean, an island chain that has been the object of a long-standing territorial dispute between Russia and Japan.

Earlier, US President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron also declined the invitation to attend the Victory Day parade in Moscow, citing Russia’s active role in the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine.

It is expected that German Chancellor Angela Merkel will also skip the May 9 parade, but will pay her respects to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow on May 10, alongside President Vladimir Putin.

The Russian side has been informed for Abe’s refusal to attend the celebrations in Moscow.

Sankei

Victory Day is celebrated annually on May 9 in Russia and marks the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. Traditionally, a famous Victory Day parade is held on the Red Square in Moscow. The parade is broadcast on television nationwide and is attended by veterans of World War II, as well as by Russian and international leaders. In 2015, Russia will celebrate the 70th anniversary of Victory Day. Five thousand people are expected to attend this year’s parade.

In mid-March, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced that leaders of 26 states have confirmed their plans to attend the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, including the president of South Africa, the president of India, as well as the head of state of China, and the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

According to Lavrov, in 2005, at the 60th anniversary of victory in World War II, 28 heads of state attended the celebration in Moscow.

  • Share to or