As of April 4, representatives from at least 25 states have accepted invitations to attend the Victory Day events, according to top Kremlin official Sergei Ivanov.
“At the military parade in Moscow on May 9, we expect to be represented by Ambassador Tefft,” the official said on Thursday.
On May 9, Russia will celebrate the 70th anniversary of Victory Day, marking the defeat of Nazi Germany in the World War II.
“We honor the sacrifice of those who fought against Nazism in World War II, including millions of Russians who sacrificed as well,” the official stressed, adding that for exactly that purpose world leaders, including US President Barack Obama, gathered in Normandy in June of 2014.
On May 8, there will be a flyover in Washington, DC to mark Victory in Europe Day, the official added.
“Some European capitals will also be marking VE Day,” he concluded.
A number of European leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, United Kingdom Prime Minister David Cameron and Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven, have declined an invitation in light of Russia's alleged involvement in the Ukrainian crisis.
The full list of the participants in the event will be announced by the end of April.
