Finnish President declines Moscow’s Victory Day invitation
This year’s festivities in Red Square will mark 70 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe.
Finland’s President Sauli Niinistö will not be participating in Moscow’s celebrations on May 9.
According to Finnish news agency STT, President Sauli Niinistö will not be attending Moscow’s Victory Day celebrations owing to the Ukraine conflict and the tense international situation that is has led to.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited many heads of state to the Victory Day celebrations in May, which will be more festive than usual to mark 70 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe in 1945 when Nazi-led Germany surrendered to the then-Soviet Union and Western Allies.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has also announced that she will not be attending Moscow’s Victory Day parade.
Niinistö’s press secretary Liina Aulin told Yle that Russia’s state leadership was informed about the Finnish President’s decision on Tuesday.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Canadian Rangers – The Watchers, Radio Canada International
Finland: Russian troops near Finnish border placed on combat readiness, Yle News
Norway: Peace and stability crucial for Arctic economy, Barents Observer
Russia: North Pole camp for Russian paratroopers, Barents Observer
Sweden: Sweden’s government scared of NATO facts: Moderates Party, Radio Sweden
United States: U.S. Arctic rep: Russia’s Arctic buildup not necessarily martial, Alaska Public Radio Network
