The US, UK, and most EU countries will boycott Vladimir Putin's "inauguration" after the pseudo-elections, which the European Parliament has recognized as illegitimate. However, seven countries may still send their envoys to the ceremony on May 7.
This was reported by Reuters.
It is noted that the United States and most European countries will boycott Vladimir Putin's “inauguration” ceremony, but France and some other countries will still send their envoys to the ceremony.
A Parisian diplomatic source, emphasizing the differences over how to deal with Russia, said: "France will be represented by its ambassador to Russia." French President Emmanuel Macron said in a speech on Monday: "We are not at war with Russia or the Russian people, and we have no desire for regime change in Moscow."
It is expected that 20 EU member states will boycott the ceremony, while seven countries may send envoys. According to two diplomatic sources, in addition to France, Hungary and Slovakia are expected to participate.
Reuters reports that the Kremlin has invited all foreign representatives to the "inauguration" of the Russian dictator.
In particular, here is what US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said about the "inauguration": "No, we will not have a representative at his inauguration. We certainly did not consider that election free and fair but he is the president of Russia and he is going to continue in that capacity."
In addition to the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada also announced that they would not send anyone to the ceremony. The German Foreign Ministry also announced that it would not participate in the "inauguration."
The Baltic states, which do not have envoys in Moscow, announced a categorical boycott of the ceremony. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis pointed out that Russia's isolation should continue: "We believe that the isolation of Russia, and especially of its criminal leader, must be continued. Participation in Putin's inauguration is not acceptable for Lithuania. Our priority remains support for Ukraine and its people fighting against Russian aggression."
Other countries that have supported the boycott of the "inauguration" include Estonia, Latvia, the Czech Republic, and Armenia.
Earlier, we wrote that Romanian priest called Putin a Godless Satan and accused him of mass murdering Orthodox Ukrainians.