German MEPs to join Moscow's Victory Day amidst tensions

The two members of the European Parliament from the pro-Russian and populist Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance – BSW – are heading to Moscow for the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. The MEPs, Michael von der Schulenburg and Ruth Firmanich, plan to visit Kyiv after their trip to Moscow.

In Moscow, the MEPs also aim to "conduct talks with parliamentarians and other representatives of the political and cultural world," as they explained to the DPA agency. Their two-day visit to Russia, along with three other deputies from the Czech Republic, Cyprus, and Slovakia, is planned for the duration of the ceasefire announced by Putin. "We also want to send a signal that we are concerned about making the conflict in Ukraine go silent forever," they assert.

Meanwhile, BSW founder Sahra Wagenknecht expects Chancellor Friedrich Merz to travel to Moscow for the celebrations, despite Merz's repeated and strong condemnation of Vladimir Putin and Russia. "On one hand, it would be an appropriate sign of respect and gratitude," Wagenknecht told the AFP agency. On the other hand, she believes it would enable Germany to "emerge as a significant player on the international stage and take diplomatic initiatives for mediation."

Wagenknecht had previously demanded that German entities organizing the 80th-anniversary celebrations of the end of World War II invite Russian representatives. However, the German Foreign Ministry strongly advised against it, and the entities themselves, including the Bundestag and memorial places, refused. Nonetheless, representatives of the Russian embassy demanded invitations.

BSW and the far-right AfD are parties that do not hide their pro-Russian stances and desire to improve relations with Russia, while also advocating to limit aid for Ukraine.

On May 9, Russia celebrates Victory Day over Nazi Germany, traditionally a day later than in Germany. A traditional parade is set to take place on Red Square in Moscow for this occasion. Vladimir Putin has announced a three-day ceasefire for this period. However, Kyiv demands that it lasts at least 30 days. Putin proposed the ceasefire as the Kremlin fears a Ukrainian drone attack during the parade, which will be attended by numerous foreign guests from countries sympathetic to Russia, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is scheduled to arrive for a four-day visit on May 7.

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, including important military facilities.