ISW explains why leaders of neighboring states come to Putin's parade

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) shared the information in its regular report.

The presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan will take part in the parade in Moscow on May 9.

ISW experts note that no foreign leaders attended the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow in 2022, and Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan did not hold parades, some citing health risks due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The belated announcement of the Central Asian leaders' participation likely reflects their reluctance to demonstrate direct and public support for the war, despite the Kremlin's attempts in this direction.

Alexander Lukashenko and Armenian President Nikol Pashinyan also reportedly flew to Moscow to participate in the celebrations.

• On May 8, media reported that Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and self-proclaimed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko had come to Moscow for the parade.