Armenian PM Pashinyan Informs Putin He Will Not Attend May 9 Victory Parade in Moscow

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan will not travel to Moscow for the Victory Day celebrations on May 9. He personally informed Russian President Vladimir Putin about his decision and explained the reasons that prevented him from attending the commemorative events in the Russian capital.

Pashinyan stated that he would be unable to participate in the ceremony because Armenia is entering an election campaign ahead of the country's parliamentary elections scheduled for June.

"During my visit to Moscow on April 1, I informed the President of Russia that, since the election campaign is beginning in Armenia, I will not be able to take part in the May 9 events,” Pashinyan said.

Kremlin Announces Visits by Foreign Leaders

At the end of April, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that several foreign leaders would attend the Victory Day parade on Red Square.

Peskov emphasized that May 9 remains one of the most important national holidays for Russia.

"That is why guests from many different countries attend the Victory Day parade on Red Square. This year as well, Russia expects a number of leaders to arrive for May 9,” Peskov stated while answering a question about whether leaders from unfriendly states would be invited.

The Kremlin spokesman added that several leaders had already expressed their intention to attend the celebrations, although he did not disclose specific names at that time.

On May 3, Peskov further clarified that President Putin would have an extremely busy schedule on Victory Day, including several bilateral meetings with foreign guests visiting Moscow for the occasion.

Which Foreign Leaders May Attend?

Among the confirmed visitors is Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. During his visit, he is expected to meet with President Putin and lay flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the Red Army. However, Fico stated that he does not intend to attend the military parade marking the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

According to historian and senior researcher at the Institute of Europe of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Mikhail Vedernikov, Fico's decision reflects his desire to avoid linking his visit to official military ceremonies amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith and Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko are also expected to arrive in Moscow for the celebrations.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Ruler of Malaysia, Sultan Ibrahim, has already arrived in the Russian capital to participate in the commemorative events surrounding Victory Day.

Other political figures who have previously expressed their intention to visit Moscow on May 9 include former President of Republika Srpska and leader of the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats, Milorad Dodik, President of Abkhazia Badra Gunba, and South Ossetian leader Alan Gagloev.

Victory Day Remains a Major Diplomatic Event

Victory Day celebrations in Moscow traditionally combine military ceremonies with diplomatic meetings involving foreign delegations and state leaders. Despite the complicated international climate surrounding the conflict in Ukraine, the Kremlin continues to position the annual event as an important symbol of historical memory and international cooperation.

This year's celebrations are expected to attract heightened global attention due to the geopolitical tensions surrounding Russia and the broader debate over relations between Moscow and the West.