Ukraine urges global boycott of Moscow victory parade
Ukraine has called on the international community to commemorate the victims of World War II in a dignified manner, urging avoidance of participation in the Moscow Victory Day parade. This appeal comes as a response to the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine.
On Tuesday, the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement urging other countries to refrain from sending their soldiers to the Moscow Victory Day parade, held in Russia on 9th May.
The statement emphasised that Ukraine is currently dealing with brutal and unprovoked aggression from Russia.
The scale of Russian crimes
Since the aggression began in February 2022, Russian soldiers have committed numerous war crimes, including killings and deportations. According to data from the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 620 people have been killed, and nearly 2,000 have been injured.
Moreover, at least 20,000 Ukrainian children have been deported. These actions are likened to atrocities Europe hasn't witnessed since World War II.
The symbolism of the Moscow parade
The Ukrainian ministry emphasised that participating in the Moscow parade would mean shared responsibility for the crimes committed by the Russian army.
These people are not liberators of Europe, they are occupiers and war criminals, the statement highlighted.
By inviting foreign soldiers, Russia attempts to whitewash its actions and justify the aggression.
The importance of neutrality
Ukraine particularly appealed to countries declaring neutrality in the conflict with Russia, urging them not to send their military personnel to the parade. Participation in this event could be perceived as support for the aggressor and a violation of declared neutrality.
Kyiv emphasised that such actions would be an affront to the memory of the victory over Nazism, including the millions of Ukrainian soldiers who fought for Europe's freedom.
