On May 9, two German members of the European Parliament from BSW will join the Victory Day festivities in Moscow.
The two representatives from the pro-Russian and populist Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance – BSW – in the European Parliament, namely Michael von der Schulenburg and Ruth Firmanich, are set to go to Moscow for the 80th anniversary celebration of defeating Nazi Germany during World War II. After attending this event in Moscow, these MEPs intend to proceed to Kyiv.
In Moscow, the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) aim to “hold discussions with lawmakers and other figures from both the political and cultural spheres,” as stated to the DPA news agency. The planned two-day visit to Russia, alongside three additional delegates from the Czech Republic, Cyprus, and Slovakia, coincides with the truce declared by Putin. They emphasize their intention to “convey the message that we are committed to ensuring the conflict in Ukraine comes to an end permanently.”
Invitations for Russians
In the meantime, Sahra Wagenknecht, the founding member of BSW, anticipates that Chancellor Friedrich Merz will personally journey to Moscow for these events. Despite Merz’s consistent and firm criticism of both Vladimir Putin and Russia, she holds this expectation. “It would serve as a fitting gesture of esteem and appreciation,” Wagenknecht stated to the AFP news agency. Additionally, she feels that such action could position Germany anew as a key figure internationally, enabling it to spearhead diplomatic efforts aimed at mediating conflicts.
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Previously, Wagenknecht requested that German organizations overseeing the 80th-anniversary commemorations of the conclusion of World War II extend an invitation to Russian delegates. Nevertheless, the German Foreign Ministry cautioned against doing so, leading various institutions involved—such as the Bundestag and memorials—to decline. Despite these refusals, officials from the Russian embassy insisted on receiving invites.
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BSW and the extreme right-wing party AfD openly display their pro-Russian positions, indicating a wish to strengthen ties with Russia and limiting support for Ukraine.
Military parade in Moscow
On May 9, Russia celebrates Victory Day over Nazi Germany, which is traditionally a day later than in Germany. A traditional parade is to be held on Red Square in Moscow for this occasion. Vladimir Putin announced a three-day ceasefire during this event. However, Kyiv demands that it last at least 30 days. Putin proposed this ceasefire as the Kremlin fears a Ukrainian drone attack during the parade, which will be watched by numerous foreign guests from countries sympathetic to Russia, including Chinese President Xi Jinping. He is set to arrive for a four-day visit on May 7.
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Drone attacks in the Russian capital are recurring, but “The Washington Post” reports that such an attack during the parade itself is unlikely. Citing sources in the Ukrainian army, the newspaper states that Kyiv might target other locations instead, such as important military facilities.
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