Most of the EU’s top representatives have yet to comment on their possible participation in the celebrations. Czech President Miloš Zeman promised itinstead, Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite and Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves announced that they would not be going to Moscow.

According to the BNS agency, the head of Latvia’s diplomacy regretted that some EU politicians might not go to Moscow. “It’s a shame because such things tend to have symbolic meaning in the context of current and historical events,” Rinkévičs told reporters. Latvian President Bérziňš is said to have decided on participation in the celebrations “within reasonable diplomatic time limits”.

According to the Latvian minister, it would be appropriate if EU countries’ procedures were more coordinated on this issue. “On January 19, at a meeting of foreign ministers, I will tell my colleagues that it makes sense to proceed in this matter in a more coordinated manner and assess the question (participation in the celebrations),” he added.

Both Obama and Kim accepted the invitation

Russia celebrates victory in World War II every year on May 9, because Germany’s surrender was signed late at night on May 8 in Berlin, when it was already May 9 in Moscow due to the time difference. For Russians, it’s an opportunity to stage a grand parade on Moscow’s Red Square, showcasing contemporary Russia’s military prowess.

The Kremlin confirmed in late December that Russia had invited US President Barack Obama, along with several other heads of state, to the celebrations. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un could also appear in Moscow.