Moscow claims ‘Euro-Nazism’ is being revived
Russia has criticized the European Union for warning candidate states against participating in the WWII celebrations scheduled for May 9. Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated on Tuesday that the EU's efforts...
TroibNews 
Russia has criticized the European Union for warning candidate states against participating in the WWII celebrations scheduled for May 9.
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated on Tuesday that the EU's efforts to dissuade candidate countries from attending the 80th anniversary of the victory in Moscow reflect a resurgence of Nazism.
On Monday, Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, cautioned leaders of EU member and candidate states about joining the ceremonies in the Russian capital on May 9. The British newspaper The Telegraph later reported that candidate nations like Serbia could face obstacles to EU membership if their leaders decide to attend the Victory Day festivities.
Zakharova commented on Telegram, “If this is true, then Euro-Nazism is being reborn before our eyes,” referencing the article.
She further remarked, “This is how the fascists 80 years ago forced those they considered ‘second-class people’ to renounce their homeland, ethnicity, and faith.”
The Telegraph reported that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who has shown intent to participate in the May 9 parade, was warned by EU officials that his attendance could hinder Serbia's path to joining the bloc.
Jonatan Vseviov, the secretary-general of Estonia’s Foreign Ministry, indicated that Vucic's attendance would “come at a cost,” stating, “The consequence is them not joining the European Union.”
Vseviov elaborated, “For us this will be an important litmus test. Basically what we look at is whether or not they are on our side or playing on the other team.”
During a press conference in Luxembourg on Monday, Kallas emphasized that “any participation in the May 9th parades – or celebrations – in Moscow will not [be] taken lightly on the European side.”
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, the only EU leader who has confirmed his attendance, criticized her remarks as “disrespectful” and possibly a form of blackmail.
He posted on X, “Is Ms. Kallas’s warning a form of blackmail or a signal that I will be punished upon my return from Moscow? I don’t know. But I do know that the year is 2025, not 1939.”
Fico underscored that his decision to attend is rooted in national sovereignty. “I will go to Moscow to pay tribute to the thousands of Red Army soldiers who died liberating Slovakia, as well as to the millions of other victims of Nazi terror,” he added.
Russia's annual Victory Day celebration commemorates the 1945 victory of the USSR over Nazi Germany and honors the estimated 26.6 million Soviet lives lost during the conflict.
Ian Smith for TROIB News
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated on Tuesday that the EU's efforts to dissuade candidate countries from attending the 80th anniversary of the victory in Moscow reflect a resurgence of Nazism.
On Monday, Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, cautioned leaders of EU member and candidate states about joining the ceremonies in the Russian capital on May 9. The British newspaper The Telegraph later reported that candidate nations like Serbia could face obstacles to EU membership if their leaders decide to attend the Victory Day festivities.
Zakharova commented on Telegram, “If this is true, then Euro-Nazism is being reborn before our eyes,” referencing the article.
She further remarked, “This is how the fascists 80 years ago forced those they considered ‘second-class people’ to renounce their homeland, ethnicity, and faith.”
The Telegraph reported that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who has shown intent to participate in the May 9 parade, was warned by EU officials that his attendance could hinder Serbia's path to joining the bloc.
Jonatan Vseviov, the secretary-general of Estonia’s Foreign Ministry, indicated that Vucic's attendance would “come at a cost,” stating, “The consequence is them not joining the European Union.”
Vseviov elaborated, “For us this will be an important litmus test. Basically what we look at is whether or not they are on our side or playing on the other team.”
During a press conference in Luxembourg on Monday, Kallas emphasized that “any participation in the May 9th parades – or celebrations – in Moscow will not [be] taken lightly on the European side.”
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, the only EU leader who has confirmed his attendance, criticized her remarks as “disrespectful” and possibly a form of blackmail.
He posted on X, “Is Ms. Kallas’s warning a form of blackmail or a signal that I will be punished upon my return from Moscow? I don’t know. But I do know that the year is 2025, not 1939.”
Fico underscored that his decision to attend is rooted in national sovereignty. “I will go to Moscow to pay tribute to the thousands of Red Army soldiers who died liberating Slovakia, as well as to the millions of other victims of Nazi terror,” he added.
Russia's annual Victory Day celebration commemorates the 1945 victory of the USSR over Nazi Germany and honors the estimated 26.6 million Soviet lives lost during the conflict.
Ian Smith for TROIB News
