German MEPs head to Moscow for Victory Day diplomacy

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. These MEPs, Michael von der Schulenburg and Ruth Firmanich, plan to travel to Kyiv following their visit to Moscow.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.