Putin's May 9 Parade Sparks Diplomatic Showdown with EU

Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited leaders from China, India, Brazil, Slovakia, and Serbia to attend the May 9 Victory Day parade in Moscow, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from the European Union. The EU has warned that participation by its member states could have serious diplomatic consequences. In response, Ukraine has invited EU leaders to Kyiv on the same day in a symbolic counter to Russia's celebrations. EU officials, including Estonia’s Kaja Kallas, have urged a boycott of the Moscow event to show solidarity with Ukraine. The situation highlights growing tensions between Russia and the EU over the ongoing war in Ukraine and international alignments.