Ukraine has issued a strong protest to many countries around the world regarding their participation in the military parade in Moscow, which took place on May 9
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine summoned diplomatic missions of several states to formally express their protest and to demonstrate the latest unacceptable step by the international community amid Russia’s destructive aggression against Ukraine. In a press release, the Ukrainian MFA states that the heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Ukraine were invited to the ministry for negotiations, during which they were officially handed a demarche in connection with their presence at the military parade in Moscow. Specifically, representatives of several countries, whose influence can be attributed to those openly supporting or hesitating to condemn Russia’s aggression, were invited to the Ukrainian MFA on that day. The MFA emphasizes that this action is a sign of unfriendly attitude and a violation of diplomatic norms during an especially difficult time for the Ukrainian people. First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Serhii Kyslytsia, during his speech at the protest rally, stressed that in the context of Russia’s ruthless war against Ukraine—killing civilians, destroying civilian infrastructure, repeatedly violating international law, and committing war crimes—the participation of high-ranking officials from foreign countries in celebrations financed and coordinated by the Kremlin is a display of cynical support for Russian policy and for global aggression. According to Kyslytsia, these actions are not only a hostile gesture but also an expression of ignoring hours of international efforts to end the war, as well as an attempt to monopolize the historical memory of victory over Nazism by claiming events that were jointly achieved by many peoples, including Ukrainians. The ministry also recalled that Russia has long ignored calls for dialogue and peace, including the proposal by the United States for a complete, unconditional, and sustained ceasefire, which was submitted on March 11 and supported by Kyiv. Unfortunately, Russia continually demonstrates its unwavering stance by not fulfilling promises and by continuing daily shelling of Ukrainian positions and settlements along the front line. According to a representative of the Ukrainian MFA, the presence of high-ranking foreign officials at the parade organized by the Kremlin is not only a “staging” for domestic and international perception but also a deliberate provocation that supports aggression against Ukraine, contradicting all principles of human morality and historical memory. **Background:** At the military parade in Moscow on May 9, almost thirty countries’ leaders were present, including notable guests such as Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. They are the only European leaders who attended the celebrations organized by the Kremlin on Victory Day. It is worth noting that Fico arrived in Moscow on May 8 after the Baltic states prohibited him from crossing their airspace, indicating the tense regional situation and the limits of diplomatic possibilities. In addition to these leaders, representatives from other countries participated, including China, Brazil, Venezuela, Armenia, Mongolia, Cuba, and Tajikistan, while more than 13 military units with military hardware and parade formations showcased performances from Vietnam, Egypt, Myanmar, and China. This wide international format sparked sharp discussions worldwide and served as a basis for Ukraine and its partners to reaffirm the inadmissibility of participating in celebrations that openly support or conceal the foundations of the ongoing military conflict. Thus, Kyiv’s reaction to this event was a vivid demonstration that Ukraine will not remain on the sidelines and will continue to voice its position, calling on the world to unite and firmly support the fight for freedom and independence.