EU lawmakers have informed dpa of their intention to promote peace by participating in Victory Day events.
A group of MEPs, including two from Germany, are planning a two-day trip to Moscow to participate in Victory Day celebrations and convey a message of peace, according to German news agency dpa. The delegation is expected to include MEPs from the Czech Republic, Cyprus, and Slovakia. German MEPs Michael von der Schulenburg and Ruth Firmenich stated that the visit will include “talks with [Russian] parliamentarians as well as politicians and cultural figures.”
The two MEPs, representing the left-wing Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), told dpa that they aim to express support for the unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine announced by Moscow.
“We also want to send a signal that we are committed to ensuring that the guns in Ukraine remain permanently silent,” they stated.
Their position is in contrast to the official stances of Berlin and Brussels. The German Foreign Ministry had previously advised against inviting Russian and Belarusian representatives to WWII commemorations. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned in April against officials from member or candidate states attending Victory Day celebrations in Moscow.
Meanwhile, local media reports that Berlin authorities have prohibited the display of Russian and Soviet flags and symbols during May 8 and 9 commemorations.
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