Kremlin aide unveils which world presidents to attend Victory Day

(MENAFN) A total of 29 countries will be represented at Russia's Victory Day parade on May 9, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov confirmed. The international visitors are also expected to meet with President Vladimir Putin during the event, which will feature a traditional military parade on Red Square.

Among the heads of state attending are 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. Although Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend due to rising tensions with Pakistan, India will send a high-level delegation.

Despite a recent health scare, President Vucic is expected to attend, with Serbian officials confirming his participation. However, some officials in Brussels have warned that Vucic’s presence in Moscow could impact Serbia’s EU ambitions. Prime Minister Fico’s attendance has also been confirmed.

Ushakov noted that the event has become an important international occasion, reflecting Russia’s growing influence. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has declined the invitation, and while the US ambassador to Russia, Lynne Tracy, was invited, she has not yet confirmed her attendance.

The parade will showcase military units from 13 countries, including China, Egypt, and Vietnam. Military veterans from nations such as Armenia, Israel, Mongolia, and the US are also expected to join the event.

Ukrainian President Zelensky had urged foreign leaders to avoid Moscow due to potential security risks, but Slovak Prime Minister Fico dismissed these concerns, calling them “ridiculous.”

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