Russia expects leaders from over 20 countries to attend its Victory Day celebration.
According to Russia’s state-run TASS on Tuesday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated during a briefing that over 20 heads of state are already anticipated to attend. He added that the leaders would join Russian President Vladimir Putin in celebrating Victory Day, calling May 9 a very important day.
He also emphasized that Russia is pleased to welcome all those ready to share in the pride and joy of the occasion.
The 80th-anniversary Victory Day ceremony will be held in Moscow on May 9.
Putin has extended invitations to leaders from BRICS countries, including China, India, and Brazil, as well as to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
On April 1, Putin met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his visit to Russia and said that Chinese President Xi Jinping would be one of the event’s key guests. Putin also stressed the importance of using the occasion as an opportunity to discuss further cooperation between the two nations.
Speculation is mounting over whether Kim Jong Un will attend. The South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported on Sunday, citing Kremlin sources, that Kim is expected to visit Russia in the coming months. There is speculation that he may attend the Victory Day celebration and join Chinese and Russian delegations at Red Square in Moscow.
As the North Korean leader has never attended an international event alongside multiple world leaders and heads of government, it remains uncertain whether he will visit.
Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) has urged its member states not to attend the Victory Day event.
During a recent foreign ministers’ meeting, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell asked member states to decline Russia’s invitations to the Victory Day celebration.
From Europe, leaders of Slovakia—an EU member state—and Serbia, which is currently negotiating EU membership, have been invited.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has already announced his intention to attend as of November 2024. According to Russian state media RT, the Serbian president also intends to participate.
However, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, known for his pro-Russian stance within the EU, has stated that he will not attend.
