- April 15, 2025
- 8:29 pm
- World News
The EU warns leaders from participating in the May 9, 2025, parade in Moscow, while Ukraine invites them to Kyiv.
The presence of the Israeli delegation raises questions not only in Israel but also in the global democratic community.
May 9, 2025 — Russia is preparing for large celebrations marking the “80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War,” with “world” leaders participating. However, the European Union has issued a clear warning: participation in the parade in Moscow will not be viewed positively, especially considering Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine.
European diplomacy and EU warnings
EU Foreign Minister Kaja Kallas, writes Politico, expressed concern, urging European leaders to refrain from participating in the parade. According to her, any participation in the celebrations in Moscow will be seen as supporting Russian aggression and an attempt to ignore international norms.
“Trips to Moscow for the May 9 celebration will have consequences.”
EU as a whole aims to demonstrate unity with Ukraine, emphasizing that for EU member states, participation in such an event will have serious diplomatic consequences.
“This issue has been thoroughly discussed, and many EU member states have expressed a clear position,” emphasized the head of European diplomacy. “Any form of participation in the parade and Russian events dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II will be considered very seriously, given that Russia is waging a full-scale war in Europe.”
Instead of joining the parade in Moscow, Ukraine invited EU leaders to Kyiv to participate in events that should serve as a symbol of solidarity with Ukraine in the context of the ongoing war. This invitation is crucial for strengthening Ukraine’s diplomatic position on the international stage.
Kallas added that she expects a boycott of the May 9 events in the Russian Federation from countries aspiring to EU membership. At the same time, she noted that the EU welcomes trips to Kyiv on May 9 as a manifestation of political support for Ukraine.
Participation of countries and invitations to the Moscow parade
Among those invited to the parade in Moscow are several world leaders, including Xi Jinping (China), Narendra Modi (India), Luis Inácio Lula da Silva (Brazil), and others. However, among the invitees are countries that raise questions in the international community, such as Palestine, Iran, and North Korea. The participation of these countries in the parade alongside Russian representatives raises concerns, especially among Israelis.
Simona Galperin, Israel’s representative, is unlikely to avoid criticism for participating in an event with such delegations. The presence at such a parade with delegations from Palestine, Iran, and North Korea — countries known for their undemocratic regimes — raises concerns not only among Israelis but also throughout the democratic world.
A petition has been created in Israel against this “diplomatic” step:
Petition «Against sending the official Israeli delegation to the May 9 parade in Moscow» — “This is not just a betrayal of democratic values and justice, it is a de facto joining of the dark side of history”
Zelensky against the parade: a diplomatic invitation
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in response to Putin’s invitation, decided to invite European leaders to an alternative event in Kyiv. This step serves not only as a gesture of solidarity but also as a strategic demonstration of Ukraine’s resolve to continue the fight for its independence. An important aspect of this invitation is demonstrating Ukraine’s strength on the international stage, while Moscow tries to strengthen its influence through the symbolism of war.
Zelensky emphasized that such steps are important to maintain unity in Europe in the face of Russian aggression and to demonstrate Ukraine’s political will.
The significance of Israel’s participation: questions of solidarity and diplomacy
Israel’s participation in the parade, despite its historical significance, raises serious questions. Israel, a country that has experienced the consequences of war firsthand, and which today faces security threats, may be forced to express its position in the face of pressure on the international stage.
For Israel, this is not only a question of whether to support the celebration in Moscow but also about how to correctly build its diplomatic strategy to avoid finding itself in a difficult position alongside delegations of countries that actively support Russia.
Table 1: Leaders invited to the parade in Moscow
| Country | Leader | Note |
|---|---|---|
| China | Xi Jinping | Active ally of Russia |
| India | Narendra Modi | Strategic partner of Russia |
| Brazil | Luis Inácio Lula da Silva | Strong economic ties |
| Palestine | Mahmoud Abbas | Participation raises questions in Israel |
| Iran | Kazem Jalali | Country supporting Russia |
| North Korea | Kim Jong Un | Direct ally of Russia |
Conclusion: impact on international relations
The European Union’s decision to support Ukraine by inviting EU leaders to Kyiv and ignoring the Russian parade becomes an important moment in international relations.
For Israel, this issue is of particular significance, given its historical memory and diplomatic ties with the USA, the EU, Ukraine, and Russia.
It will be interesting to see what happens if Trump condemns participation in this parade?
NAnews – Israel news will continue to follow developments, providing readers with timely and detailed information.
