It would be mistake if representatives of some former Soviet republics do not attend celebrations of 75th victory anniversary in Moscow - Putin
MOSCOW. Dec 19 (Interfax) - It would be a big mistake if representatives of some former Soviet republics decide against attending celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the victory in WWII in Moscow, President Vladimir Putin said during his end-of-year press conference on Thursday.
"If anyone decides against coming here due to certain peculiarities of current interstate relations, I think that would be a big mistake. That would mean they do not have enough respect for the people who fought and sacrificed their lives for the independence of their homeland," Putin said.
A journalist asked whether Putin regretted that servicemen from certain former Soviet republics, such as Ukraine and Georgia, would not be joining the column of victors during the parade.
Putin earlier invited representatives of the armed forces of CIS member states to join the Red Square parade dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the victory in WWII on May 9, 2020, in Moscow.