President Vladimir Putin on Friday invited his Venezuelan counterpart and ally, Nicolas Maduro, to attend Russia’s annual Victory Day military parade on May 9, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
“I would be glad to see you in Moscow at celebrations on the occasion of May 9, the 80th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War,” Putin said during a video call with Maduro, using Russia’s term for World War II as it was fought on the eastern front in Europe.
Putin added that Russia and Venezuela could sign a strategic partnership treaty during Maduro’s visit, saying the agreement had been “fully agreed” upon.
Maduro did not immediately confirm his attendance but noted that Venezuela plans to unveil a monument honoring the Soviet army.
At least 11 foreign leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have so far accepted Putin’s invitation to attend the Red Square military parade.
North Korea is also set to send troops to participate in the event for the first time, according to Japanese media.
This year’s Victory Day celebrations will be the fourth since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The French news magazine Le Point, citing anonymous sources, reported last month that U.S. President Donald Trump had accepted an invitation to attend the parade. Both Trump and the Kremlin denied the report.
Russia’s Defense Minister Andrei Belousov said in January that military personnel from 19 unspecified countries had been invited to the parade, with 10 nations confirming their participation.
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