Some European Parliament members travel to Russia for May 9 parade
A delegation of European Parliament members, including two representatives from Germany’s BSW party, will attend World War II commemoration events in Moscow this week, Spiegel reported on 6 May.
BSW politicians Ruth Firmenich and Michael von der Schulenburg are part of a group that will travel to Russia this year.
According to Spiegel, the invitation list was submitted to the Russian Defense Ministry for approval before the visit.
The Kremlin announced in mid-April that more than 20 heads of state would attend, with Chinese President Xi Jinping expected to arrive.
Some leaders have withdrawn their participation. Indian President Narendra Modi canceled due to current tensions with neighboring Pakistan.
Firmenich and Schulenburg said they will meet with members of the Russian State Duma and other political and cultural representatives. They claimed their motivation was to “overcome the increasing spiral of confrontation and escalation in Europe.”
The BSW politicians say they plan to travel to Kyiv afterward and have contacted the Ukrainian embassy about this intention.
Firmenich is described as someone from Wagenknecht’s inner circle who has worked with her since 2004.
In February, Wagenknecht refused to answer whether she was happy that Ukraine still exists as a state despite three years of full-scale war and numerous losses. She has also claimed that German and European industry “have no chance” without cheap energy resources from Russia.
On 28 April, Putin announced a “ceasefire” and “cessation of hostilities” for the parade, effective from midnight on 8 May until 11 May.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy also responded that “there is no reason to wait until 8 May” to implement a ceasefire, adding that Ukraine is ready for a 30-day ceasefire from any date proposed by the United States.
Read also:
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- Vance: Russia demands too much, direct talks between Kyiv and Moscow needed now
- Serbian president’s flight to Moscow on Victory Day blocked by Baltic states
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