Kaja Kallas: Everyone Who Supports Peace Should Be in Ukraine on May 9
European Commission Vice President and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas called on supporters of peace to stand with Ukraine on May 9, rather than attending commemorations in Russia, The Gaze reports, citing Ukrinform.
Speaking on Wednesday ahead of an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Warsaw, Kallas stressed that Europe Day — which coincides with Russia’s Victory Day — should be marked by solidarity with Ukraine.
“It is clear that all those who support peace should be in Ukraine, not in Moscow, when it comes to May 9, which is Europe Day — the day we celebrate Europe as a peace project,” Kallas said.
EU foreign ministers will travel to Lviv, Ukraine, for meetings on continued support for the country amid its war with Russia. According to Kallas, the gathering is not only a show of political unity, but also includes international partners from beyond Europe.
“I am very glad that we can do this together, also with our partners from outside Europe,” she added.
The trip to Ukraine comes as many EU and NATO leaders boycott Russian events marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Moscow is expected to host dozens of foreign dignitaries for the May 9 parade, which many European leaders have criticized as a platform for Kremlin propaganda.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski also condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin’s efforts to monopolize the historical memory of World War II and downplay Ukraine’s role in the victory over Nazi Germany.
“It’s very important to remember that the whole of Ukraine was occupied during World War II, while only a small part of Russia was. Millions of Ukrainians suffered under Nazi persecution, but also fought in the Red Army,” Sikorski said.
“It is disgusting for Vladimir Putin to claim victory solely for Russia, and even worse, to use the rhetoric of those days to attack Ukraine — which, unlike Russia, is a democracy,” he added.
As The Gaze previously reported, the Baltic states are firmly refusing to allow foreign leaders to use their airspace en route to Moscow for Russia’s May 9 Victory Day celebrations, in a coordinated political move against a propaganda event hosted by a state waging war in Europe.