Russia commented on Zelensky’s plan to invite European leaders to Kyiv on May 9

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s plan to invite European leaders to Kyiv on May 9 is primarily an attempt to draw attention to himself.

This information reported according to Alexei Chepa, First Deputy Chairman of the Russian State Duma Committee on International Affairs.

Earlier, Politico reported that Zelensky had invited European leaders to gather in Kyiv on May 9. According to Chepa, such a meeting is intended as a “demonstration of diplomatic strength” in contrast to the annual Victory Day military parade held in Moscow.

“This is an attempt to counter the historical victory of the Soviet people, an effort to downplay the role of the Soviet Union and its people in defeating Nazism — all against the backdrop of today’s glorification of nationalism and the failure of Western policy in Ukraine,” Chepa said.

“It comes at a time when, in Russia, people honor fallen heroes who defended the world from war.”

Earlier, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas had stated that the European Union does not plan to participate in Russia’s Victory Day celebrations, and that visits to Russia on May 9 would be discouraged for leaders of countries seeking EU membership.