**Germany Excludes Russian and Belarusian Ambassadors from WWII Commemoration**
In a move aimed at distancing itself from Russia’s actions in Ukraine, Germany has decided to exclude the ambassadors of Russia and Belarus from a special session of the Bundestag on May 8. This decision comes as a response to the growing dissatisfaction in Berlin with how Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to manipulate the legacy of World War II to justify his country’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The commemoration ceremony, which will take place in the Bundestag’s plenary hall, is meant to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. Representatives from other embassies, including those from Ukraine, will attend the event. However, the ambassadors of Russia and Belarus have been invited.
“This assessment led to the ambassadors of the Russian Federation and Belarus, among others, not being invited,” a statement reads.
**Putin’s Manipulation of History**
Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly drawn false comparisons between World War II and the war in Ukraine. He frames the latter as a continuation of the Soviet Union’s fight against Nazism, despite the fact that Ukrainian leadership is far from having any Nazi ideology. This rhetoric is often invoked during his annual May 9 Victory Day address.
While European countries mark Victory in Europe Day on May 8 with somber ceremonies, Russia uses May 9 to stage large-scale military parades and patriotic displays. The Kremlin has invited leaders from China, Israel, Brazil, Slovakia, and Serbia to attend this year’s Victory Day celebration in Moscow.
**Escalating Tensions**
The decision by Germany reflects the growing tensions between Europe and Russia over Ukraine. European countries are becoming increasingly frustrated with Putin’s actions and his manipulation of history. The exclusion of Russian and Belarusian ambassadors from the commemoration ceremony is a clear sign that Germany is not willing to tolerate such behavior.
“This is an insult by the ‘ideological heirs and direct descendants’ of those who carried out Nazi leader Adolf Hitler’s killings,” Maria Zakharova, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, condemned the decision.
**Other Developments**
In other news, Ukraine has invited European leaders to visit Kyiv on May 9 in a symbolic move to counter Putin’s annual Victory Day parade in Moscow. Additionally, the United Kingdom would support a potential German decision to send Taurus missiles to Ukraine, according to the Telegraph.
The situation on the ground remains tense, with reports of explosions and drone attacks continuing to emerge from various parts of Ukraine.
**Conclusion**
Germany’s decision to exclude Russian and Belarusian ambassadors from the WWII commemoration ceremony is a clear signal that Europe will not tolerate Putin’s manipulation of history. As tensions continue to escalate, it remains to be seen how this situation will unfold in the coming days and weeks.
