What's happened
Germany will not invite Russian and Belarusian ambassadors to its May 8 commemorations of WWII's end, citing concerns over potential exploitation for anti-Ukraine propaganda. This decision reflects ongoing tensions amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Germany's support for Kyiv.
What's behind the headline?
Context of the Decision
Germany's choice to exclude Russian and Belarusian ambassadors from the WWII commemorations is a significant political statement. This decision underscores the ongoing tensions between former wartime allies and highlights Germany's commitment to supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression.
Implications for International Relations
- Diplomatic Isolation: By not inviting these ambassadors, Germany signals a clear stance against Russia's actions in Ukraine, reinforcing its support for Kyiv.
- Historical Sensitivity: The decision reflects a broader concern that commemorative events could be misused for propaganda, particularly by Russia, which has often invoked WWII narratives to justify its current military actions.
- Domestic Politics: With a new chancellor set to take office shortly before the commemorations, this move may also be aimed at consolidating support within Germany for a strong stance against Russia.
Future Considerations
- Potential Backlash: Russia's response to this exclusion could escalate tensions further, impacting diplomatic relations in Europe.
- Broader European Unity: This decision may encourage other European nations to adopt similar stances, reinforcing a united front against Russian aggression.
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, the German parliament's decision to bar Russian and Belarusian ambassadors was based on concerns they could 'exploit the events and maliciously connect them with the war of aggression against Ukraine.' The Times of Israel adds that the German foreign ministry had previously warned against inviting these representatives, emphasizing the risk of misusing the commemorations. Meanwhile, The Independent highlights the contrasting views of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who plans to attend Russia's Victory Day celebrations, showcasing the divide in European responses to Russia's actions. This divergence illustrates the complexities of international relations in the context of historical commemorations and current geopolitical tensions.
How we got here
The decision follows a series of controversies regarding Russia's role in WWII commemorations, particularly in light of its current military actions in Ukraine. Germany has been a strong supporter of Ukraine since the invasion began in February 2022.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of this decision for Germany's foreign policy?
- How has Russia reacted to being excluded from the event?
- What other countries are taking similar stances?
More on these topics
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany, is a country in Central and Western Europe. Covering an area of 357,022 square kilometres, it lies between the Baltic and North seas to the north, and the Alps to the south.
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Frank-Walter Steinmeier (German: [ˈfʁaŋkˌvaltɐ ˈʃtaɪnˌmaɪ.ɐ] ; born 5 January 1956) is a German politician who has served as President of Germany since 2017. He was previously Minister for Foreign Affairs from 2005 to 2009 and again from 2013 t
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Belarus, officially the Republic of Belarus and formerly known as Byelorussia or Belorussia, is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe.