Aliyev Cancels Trip to Moscow for Victory Parade

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev will not attend the Victory Day Parade in Moscow on May 9, Orda.kz reports, citing Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov.

According to Ushakov, Aliyev canceled his visit due to domestic commemorations:

Russian State Duma deputy Svetlana Zhurova also commented on the decision, suggesting that Azerbaijan may be holding its own commemorative events:

We immediately, of course, begin to see conspiracy theories in this. At the same time, maybe he is going to hold his own parades, his own events related to May 9. His presence is also necessary in the country to raise the patriotic spirit, there are important domestic events.

Notably, the December 25 crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane in Kazakhstan’s Aqtau has altered Baku and  Moscow's relations. Following the incident, which Azerbaijan attributes to Russian "ground fire" and electronic warfare interference near Grozny, Aliyev demanded:

• An official admission of responsibility
• Punishment for those responsible
• Compensation to the victims and Azerbaijan

While Vladimir Putin has twice called Aliyev and ordered an investigation, Azerbaijan reportedly found these steps insufficient.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed the calls and emphasized:

In March, Azerbaijan prepared an appeal to an international court. Russia is conducting its own parallel investigation.

Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith will also miss the parade, citing COVID-19 concerns. The country will be represented by its foreign minister.

 Meanwhile, Kazakh President Qassym-Jomart Toqayev has confirmed his attendance in Moscow:

I hope to meet during the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory. I accepted the invitation with great pleasure. Here, of course, we have also planned events related to this historical date. But we will have time to hold them on the 7th and 8th, and after the internal events are completed, I will fly to Moscow to take part in the work.

Original Author: Alina Pak