German Chancellor Angela Merkel refused Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invitation to partake in the Russian military parade in Moscow on May 9th, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Allied victory against Nazi Germany.

However, the chancellor will visit Moscow the day after in order to pay her respects with a wreath over the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Die Zeit newspaper stated that the German Chancellor considered that her presence in the Red Square on May 9th would be a direct insult to Ukraine, due to the current status quo.

According to Russian media, the leaders of Poland, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia have already stated they will not be present. Amongst those invited will be North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, in his first trip abroad since he became… Supreme leader.