Russia’s top MP labels EU’s Kallas as ‘crazy Russophobe’

(MENAFN) Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of Russia's State Duma, has sharply criticized EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas for her comments about EU candidate countries attending Russia's May 9 Victory Day celebrations. He called Kallas a “crazy Russophobe” after she warned that countries seeking EU membership should refrain from participating in the 80th-anniversary events commemorating the defeat of Nazi Germany, as Russia is currently involved in a full-scale war in Europe.

Kallas had issued the warning on Monday, suggesting that any participation in the Victory Day parades would not be taken lightly. Volodin responded on his Telegram account on Tuesday, calling Kallas' statement an ultimatum directed not only at EU member states but also at those countries negotiating EU accession. He argued that Kallas’ comments were disrespectful to the memory of those who sacrificed their lives to defeat fascism. Volodin further called for Kallas to be removed from her position and tried at a UN tribunal.

Victory Day is one of Russia's most significant holidays, commemorated with a military parade in Red Square and a moment of silence to honor the 26.6 million Soviet lives lost in World War II.

So far, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is the only EU leader confirmed to attend the Moscow celebrations, with leaders from Serbia, Armenia, and other countries indicating their intention to join as well. Russian President Vladimir Putin has confirmed that Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend as part of a state visit. Additionally, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, as well as leaders from Vietnam, Cuba, Venezuela, Palestine, Azerbaijan, and other nations, have also accepted invitations.

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