**Polish Prime Minister Slams European Leaders for Attending Russian Victory Day Celebrations**
In a scathing rebuke, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has slammed European leaders who attended Russian President Vladimir Putin’s Victory Day celebrations in Moscow. The move comes as Russia wages war against Ukraine.
Tusk’s comments were made on May 9, when he expressed his outrage at the presence of foreign leaders at the parade, despite Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine. “I have no doubt that being present at the victory parade in Moscow and applauding President Putin, who says he will continue to cleanse Ukraine of Nazism, is a shame for everyone who is present there and pretends not to see the truth,” Tusk said.
Tusk was joined by leaders from France, Germany, and the UK in his criticism. The group, which includes French President Emmanuel Macron, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and newly elected German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, will visit Kyiv on May 10 to show support for Ukraine. However, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was among those who attended Russia’s Victory Day celebrations, despite warnings from the EU.
Tusk denounced the presence of foreign leaders at Moscow’s Victory Day celebrations, saying it was a shame given Russia’s actions in Ukraine. “Therefore, the presence at the victory parade of a country that bombs cities, hospitals, and daycares, and which has caused the deaths and injuries of over a million people over three years, is a shame,” Tusk said.
The move comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to wage war against Ukraine, despite international pressure. China’s President Xi Jinping and Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva were among those who attended the celebrations at Putin’s request.
**Demonstrations Against Russia’s Victory Day Celebrations**
In a show of defiance against Russia’s Victory Day celebrations, demonstrators in Ukraine have been holding street performances since May 4. The actions, which took place under the name “Death Regiment,” aim to counter Russia’s propaganda campaign and highlight the devastating impact of its war on Ukraine.
The move is seen as an attempt by Ukraine to push back against Russia’s attempts to use Victory Day celebrations as a historical justification for its ongoing war. Russia tries to portray itself as a champion of Ukrainian independence, while in reality, it continues to wage war against the country.
**A Show of Support for Ukraine**
Tusk’s comments and the demonstration in Ukraine are seen as a show of support for the embattled nation. The visit by Western leaders on May 10 is also expected to be a significant boost to Ukraine’s morale, as it sends a clear message that the international community stands with them against Russia.
The situation on the ground remains dire, however, with over a million people having been killed or injured in the conflict. The continued presence of foreign leaders at Victory Day celebrations only serves to underscore the need for sustained pressure on Russia to end its war against Ukraine.
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