17 March 2015, 11:49 GMT
MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The leaders of 26 countries have confirmed that they will take part in Moscow’s Victory Day celebrations on May 9, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday.
“As of yesterday, the leaders of 26 states, as well as UNESCO and the Council of Europe had confirmed their participation,” Lavrov said.
These include the leaders of China, Cuba, the Czech Republic, Greece, Slovakia and Cyprus, according to the minister.
Lavrov noted that some of the European leaders accepted Russia’s invitation despite US pressure.
Moscow is set to host grandiose celebrations to mark the 70th anniversary of Nazi Germany's defeat in the Second World War.
Several European leaders, including Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel, UK Prime Minister David Cameron and European Council President Donald Tusk declined Moscow's invitation to join the event, citing Russia's alleged involvement in the crisis in Ukraine as justification for their absence.
