**Ukraine Warns Foreign Leaders: We Can’t Guarantee Your Safety in Moscow**
As Russia prepares to celebrate the 80th anniversary of its victory over Nazi Germany with a grand military parade, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a stark warning to foreign leaders planning to attend. According to Interfax Ukraine, Zelensky said that Ukraine cannot guarantee the safety of visiting officials on Russian territory.
The warning comes as Russia’s President Vladimir Putin invites numerous world leaders to Moscow for the commemorative events. Among those invited are leaders from EU member Slovakia and Serbia, as well as China, India, and Brazil. Zelensky’s statement is a clear message that Ukraine will not take responsibility for any potential incidents on Russian soil.
“We cannot be held responsible for what happens on the territory of the Russian Federation,” Zelensky said during a briefing with journalists. “They are responsible for your safety. We will not provide any guarantees, because we do not know what Russia might do on those dates.”
Zelensky’s caution is well-founded. In March 2024, Russia launched a missile strike on Odesa while Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was visiting the city, killing five people. The explosion occurred just moments after the Greek PM and Zelensky toured the port.
The Ukrainian President warned that Russia might orchestrate provocations, including “arsons, explosions, or other actions,” and then attempt to blame Ukraine. He advised visiting delegations accordingly and cautioned them not to ask for guarantees from Ukraine.
“I told the foreign minister that when countries reach out to us, we must clearly state: ‘We do not recommend visiting Russia from a (security) standpoint. And if you choose to go, that is your personal decision — do not ask us for guarantees,'” Zelensky said.
It’s worth noting that Ukraine has shown respect towards nations that have remained neutral or aligned with Russia due to historic ties, including China. However, the Ukrainian President emphasized that Ukraine bears no responsibility for what happens inside Russia.
“This is a fact,” Zelensky added. “Moreover, I am sure that other countries engage in the same diplomacy with the Russians when they come to us, and experience shows that we have had many different leaders, and during their visits there were various formats of attacks, assaults, intimidation.”
As European nations mark May 8 as Victory in Europe Day, Russia celebrates the end of World War II in Europe on May 9. The contrast is striking, and Zelensky’s warning serves as a reminder that Ukraine will not be held responsible for any potential incidents on Russian soil.
**What This Means**
Zelensky’s statement is a clear message to foreign leaders: if you choose to visit Moscow for the Victory Day parade, do so at your own risk. Ukraine will not take responsibility for any incidents on Russian territory. This warning comes as Russia prepares to celebrate its victory over Nazi Germany, and it highlights the deepening divide between Ukraine and Russia.
The Ukrainian President’s caution is well-founded, given the history of attacks on visiting leaders and dignitaries in Ukraine. It remains to be seen how foreign leaders will respond to Zelensky’s warning, but one thing is clear: Ukraine will not be held responsible for any incidents on Russian soil.
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