Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned global leaders planning to attend Russia’s Victory Parade in Moscow this week that Ukraine cannot guarantee their safety.
Just days after threatening the possibility of strikes on Russian soil, the Ukrainian president stated that his country “cannot be responsible” for what may occur in Russia. His remarks come ahead of the May 9 event, which marks the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory in World War II, and is expected to host several foreign dignitaries, including Chinese President Xi Jinping.
While Kyiv remained vague about any potential military action, the Kremlin downplayed Zelenskyy’s comments. Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for a three-day ceasefire beginning May 8 to allow for the celebrations.
The European Union has urged leaders of its member states not to attend the Moscow event. Nevertheless, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro are expected to participate. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is currently the only EU leader who has accepted the invitation.
“We cannot be responsible for what is happening on the territory of the Russian Federation. They provide you with safety and so we will not give you any guarantees,” Zelenskyy told local media.
(QG - Source: Newsweek — Picture : © Unsplash)
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