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Shkruar nga Pamfleti
The Victory Day parade in Moscow has transformed over the years from a celebration of victory over Nazi Germany to a day to support Russian patriotism...
Two European allies of Russian President Vladimir Putin have fallen ill, according to reports, days before they were due to attend a Victory Day parade in Moscow.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's trips to Russia have been called into question due to reported health concerns.
The Victory Day parade, scheduled for May 9, commemorates the Allied defeat of Nazi Germany. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Why does it matter?
The Victory Day parade in Moscow has transformed over the years from a celebration of victory over Nazi Germany to a day to support Russian patriotism. It has also expanded since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, especially as Russian media portray Ukrainians as Nazis.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he cannot guarantee the safety of world leaders attending the event, sparking speculation that Ukraine is planning a counterattack that day.
What you need to know
Vučić announced his illness when he had to cut short a visit to the United States. The Serbian president consulted doctors while in the US, who advised him to return to Belgrade, The Moscow Times reported.
Cardiologist Dragan Dinčić from the Military Medical Academy told Russian media outlet RBC that the president experienced chest pains related to blood pressure.
He was scheduled to meet with several high-profile Republicans during his visit, and his trip to Moscow is still in question. After Vucic reported his illness, US special presidential envoy Richard Grenell wished him well on Twitter: "Great, @avucic. Sorry to miss you, but I hope everything is okay."
On the other hand, Fico has denied media reports that he is unwell. Slovak media began questioning his health after he canceled a week of activities and appearances. Fico has said he is not changing his plans to visit Moscow on May 9 for the parade.
Another member of Fico's party, Jan Richter, told the media that the parade was "in memory of the Great Patriotic War."
He added that the prime minister's choice to move away from other plans may be due to the psychological effects of surviving an assassination attempt on May 15, 2024.
Fico is the only leader of an EU state who plans to participate in the parade.
reaction
Slovak politician Jan Richter told Aktuality that “the visit to Moscow is not related to the war between Russia and Ukraine, but to respect for the memory of the Great Patriotic War.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told Ukrainian media that "we cannot be responsible for what is happening on the territory of the Russian Federation. They offer you security and therefore we will not give you any guarantees."
What happens next?
The parade is scheduled to take place on May 9. Other dignitaries expected to attend include Chinese President Xi Jinping, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. / Adapted from Pamphlet by Newsweek/
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