Ticket to the Kremlin: Which European leaders are not afraid to be photographed with Putin on May 9
22 April 14:20
The Russian government, headed by the aggressor country’s president, Vladimir Putin, has invited the leaders of China, India, Brazil, as well as Slovakia and Serbia, countries that are members of the EU or closely associated with it, to come to Moscow for the May 9 parade. At the same time, the EU’s chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas, warned European leaders against participating in the event.
“This issue was clearly raised, and representatives of several EU countries expressed a common position: participation in parades or other May 9 celebrations in Moscow will not be perceived easily or neutrally, especially given that Russia is waging a full-scale war in Europe,” Kallas said, as quoted by Politico.
She also emphasized that the European Union does not want to see any country seeking EU membership among the participants in these celebrations.
Which European leaders will go to Putin’s parade
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has said that he intends to travel to Moscow for the May 9 parade to take part in the celebrations with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. He called calls to cancel the trip “disrespectful.”
“EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas calls on EU leaders to refrain from participating in the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow. This will not be taken lightly. i am going to Moscow on May 9. Is this a warning from Ms. Kallas in the form of blackmail, or is it a signal that I will be punished upon my return from Moscow? I don’t know, but I do know that it is 2025, not 1939,” Fico wrote on his Facebook page on Tuesday, April 15.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said that he also intends to go to Moscow for the May 9 parade, despite warnings from the European Union, the Associated Press reports.
Vucic confirmed that one of the Serbian military units will take part in the celebration on Red Square in Moscow, the capital of the aggressor country Russia. He also noted that Serbia will be involved in the “joint” organization of this event for the first time.
“We will soon be under pressure to participate in the event in Moscow,” he said.
The symbolism of Slovakia’s presence
Taras Zagorodny, managing partner of the National Anti-Crisis Group and political expert, in an exclusive commentary for "Komersant Ukrainian" shared his vision of the situation around Slovakia’s participation in the May 9 parade in Moscow.
Zahorodnyi noted that the presence of a Slovak representative at the parade in Moscow has a deep historical significance, given Slovakia’s role during World War II:
“In general, it is quite symbolic that a representative of Slovakia will be present, because Slovakia was an ally of Germany in World War II. They even fought together. This state officially participated in the war on the side of Germany, in particular on the territory of Ukraine, where they even reached Mariupol.”
Putin’s position and Fico’s political ties to Russia
Taras Zahorodnyi also drew attention to Putin’s desire to demonstrate that Russia is not politically isolated in Europe, which is likely influenced by the loyalty of some politicians, including Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
According to the expert, Fico obviously has close ties with Russia, which makes him demonstrate loyalty to the Kremlin:
“Putin wants to demonstrate that he is not politically isolated. Nobody knows what is happening in the European Union, but Fico is obviously tied to the Russians, so he has to demonstrate his loyalty to Russia.”
Slovak position in the context of Hungary and the EU
Zahorodnyi noted that, compared to Hungary, Slovakia’s position looks softer, although there are also some contradictions. Hungary takes a more radical position, supporting Russia on certain issues, while Slovakia takes a more cautious and balancing position.
However, as the expert emphasized, military cooperation between Slovakia and Russia continues to be quite active, although it is not publicized:
“Fico, if you look at the words, at the rhetoric, at what is being done, takes a half-hearted position and actually supports a lot of things. Quietly, but he supports it.”
Zahorodnyi summarized that Ukraine should clearly state that it does not guarantee security for leaders who will participate in the May 9 parade. This will allow Ukraine to demonstrate its position on its attitude towards Russia, as well as to encourage the European Union to take concrete actions in this direction.
Taras Zagorodnyi also noted that diplomatic pressure on countries that cooperate with Russia will continue, and the European Union will look for ways to influence these countries to avoid further support for Russia’s aggression.
Kyiv Invites EU Leaders to May 9: Diplomatic Response to Putin’s Parade
It is worth noting that Ukraine has sent an invitation to high-ranking EU officials to come to Kyiv on May 9, seeking to show international unity and support against the backdrop of the military parade traditionally held by Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
According to Politico, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga extended the invitation to his European counterparts during a meeting in Luxembourg. He called on the partners to show support for Ukraine by demonstrating “unity and determination in the face of the largest armed aggression in Europe since World War II.”
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also expressed a desire to receive on May 9 leaders of partner countries who are ready to discuss future security guarantees for Ukraine during the conclusion of a ceasefire agreement with Russia.
Sibiga clarified that the exact location of the meeting has not yet been determined, but there is a possibility that high-ranking officials, including future German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, will come to Ukraine, as two European diplomats anonymously reported.
