Zelenskyy Seeks EU Support in Kyiv Amid Moscow Parade

KYIV, Ukraine – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has invited top european union officials to⁣ Kyiv ‍on May 9,⁢ a move viewed as a diplomatic counterpoint to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s annual military parade in ⁢Moscow, according to a report.

Invitation Details

Foreign⁣ Minister Andrius⁣ Sibiga extended the invitation to EU counterparts⁣ during a meeting in Luxembourg on Monday, urging them⁢ to demonstrate “unity ⁣and determination” against Russian aggression, Sibiha said.

Security Guarantees Discussed

Separately, Zelenskyy aims to convene leaders from a coalition focused on defining⁣ security guarantees for Ukraine‍ following a potential ceasefire agreement ‍with Russia, Sibiha added. the United States is⁢ not part of this coalition.

potential Meeting in ⁢Kyiv

While the specific location of the meeting remains undisclosed, discussions have included a possible visit to Ukraine in early may by several heads of state, including‍ Friedrich Mertz, a potential future German Chancellor, according to ⁣two EU diplomats who spoke on condition ‍of ‍anonymity.

Moscow’s Guest List

Putin‍ has invited leaders from Israel, China, Brazil, Slovakia, and Serbia to Moscow for⁣ the 80th anniversary celebration‍ of ⁤the end of World War II, Russian media reported. The U.S. and ⁤most EU⁤ member states were⁤ not invited.

past⁢ Context

Twenty years⁢ ago, ⁢then-U.S. President George W. Bush and Jacques Chirac attended the Moscow⁣ parade in⁣ 2005. However, Western leaders have ‍largely been absent in recent years.

Recent attacks and⁢ Condemnation

Despite international pressure, Russia⁤ has⁢ continued its attacks on Ukraine. A recent ballistic missile attack on⁣ Sumy resulted in⁣ 34 deaths and over 170 injuries,drawing widespread condemnation,including ⁢from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Trump’s Reaction

Former U.S. President Donald Trump described the attack as “terrible”⁤ but refrained from criticizing Russia.