The European Union has issued a clear instruction to countries that are candidates for EU membership not to attend the Victory Day parade on 9 May in Moscow and not to make any visits to Russia.

Source: Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže on the sidelines of a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg on 14 April, as reported by European Pravda

Details:Braže said that during a working dinner with representatives of the Western Balkan countries on Sunday 13 April, the European side gave them a clear instruction not to take part in celebrations in Moscow dedicated to Russia's Victory Day on 9 May.

Quote:"We had already a busy evening yesterday with a dinner with the Western Balkan partners… Also, a lot of discussion on the values and alignment of CFSP, including sanctions, including very clear guidance from EU member states for the candidates not to participate in the 9th May parade in Moscow and not to do those trips as it would not be in line with the EU values."

Details:Braže stated that a "very practical discussion both on money but also on the military support, on EU's own capacity [in providing military support to Ukraine – ed.]."

Braže emphasised that the shocking Russian attack on the city of Sumy on 13 April demonstrates that Ukraine needs more air defence systems.

Background:

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced his readiness to buy ten Patriot air defence systems from the United States for US$15 billion and the readiness of European partners to help finance the deal.
• Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated that he plans to oppose all pro-Ukrainian initiatives at the EU Council meeting in Luxembourg, except for peace initiatives.
• EU foreign ministers at the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg on 14 April are discussing security guarantees for Ukraine, including the coalition of the willing initiative on a possible monitoring mission deployment in Ukraine, as well as preparations for the 17th package of sanctions against Russia and other means of exerting pressure.

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