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Russia confirms participation of 26 heads of state in 2015 V-Day celebrations

Xinhua, March 17, 2015 Adjust font size:

Up to 26 heads of state have confirmed to participate in the May 9 Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday.

"As of Monday, 26 state leaders as well as the heads of UNESCO and Council of Europe have confirmed their participation," Lavrov was quoted by RIA Novosti news agency as saying.

There are 28 world leaders participating in the similar event in 2010, while this year Russia had sent invitations to altogether 68 countries and international organizations.

However, amid worsening relations between Russia and Western countries over Ukraine crisis, British Prime Minister David Cameron refused last week to attend the V-Day celebrations in Moscow.

Noting German Chancellor Angela Merkel's slated visit to Moscow in May, Lavrov said the visit is "of special importance for stopping the anti-Russian campaign."

The purpose of the celebration is "not only to pay tribute to those who defended Europe and the world from the Nazis, but also to improve current situation on (the European) continent and to prevent a new split of Europe," Lavrov stressed.

Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced later in the day that about 80,000 troops will take part in the parades at the Red Square and different Russian cities.

Moscow has also invited 16 countries to send their military units and take part in the parade, Shoigu said, adding that units from nine countries have already confirmed their participation in the march on the Red Square. Endi