Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko said Saturday that he won't attend Moscow's grand celebration of Victory Day on May 9 because he will be attending Minsk's own parade, Belarussian news service BelTA reported.
Russia celebrates the victory of the Soviet Union and its allies over Nazi Germany in World War II on May 9 every year with a public holiday called Victory Day. This year, which marks 70 years since the war's end, Moscow is planning a celebration to be bigger and more spectacular than on any other anniversary.
However, many Western leaders have said they won't attend Moscow's festivities because of Russia's involvement in the Ukraine crisis.
Lukashenko, a longtime ally of Moscow, said he would "probably" be in Moscow on May 7 and 8 with a delegation to "show our unity with the Russian people and others." He added that Moscow on May 8 will host events that he "cannot not participate in."
The events, he said, are connected with several alliances of former Soviet states dealing with business, politics and defense: the Eurasian Economic Union, the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Collective Security Treaty Organization.
Lukashenko, wearing outdoor work clothing, made the comments during a subbotnik, a traditional volunteer work event on Saturday to clean up cities and towns that was popularized during the Soviet Union.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
