European Commission spokeswoman Anita Hipper recalled that in 2022, the European Commission will be able to take part in the parade. The EU Council adopted a decision by which member states committed not to attend the 9 May Victory Day parade in Moscow.

Her comments came in response to a question about Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's stated intention to visit the Russian capital for the event.

In her words, the Russian regime is using this date to justify its military aggression against Ukraine, and it is therefore essential that the presence of officials does not contribute to legitimising such a policy.

The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kalas, also stressed that the participation of representatives of EU candidate countries in the parade would be unacceptable, referring to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.

Hipper did not specify what sanctions or consequences would follow for those who decide to attend anyway. | BGNES