Russian presidential aide reveals foreign leaders from 29 countries set to attend Russia’s Victory Day

(MENAFN) Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov has revealed that foreign leaders and diplomats from 29 countries are set to attend Russia’s Victory Day parade on May 9, marking 80 years since the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. The visiting dignitaries will also meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ushakov confirmed. This year’s celebrations will feature a military parade on Red Square.

Notable guests include Chinese President Xi Jinping, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend due to tensions with Pakistan, but a high-level delegation from India will be present.

Despite health concerns, Vucic is expected to attend, and Fico has also confirmed his participation. Ushakov emphasized that the event is becoming a significant international occasion, underscoring Russia’s rising global influence. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban declined the invitation, and the US ambassador, Lynne Tracy, has yet to confirm her attendance.

The parade will feature military contingents from 13 countries, including China, Egypt, and Vietnam, and veterans from several nations, including Armenia, Israel, Mongolia, and the US, are also expected to participate.

Ukraine’s President Vladimir Zelensky had previously urged foreign leaders to avoid Moscow, citing potential security threats. However, Fico dismissed these concerns, calling them “ridiculous.”

MENAFN19052025000045015687ID1109565827