Six EU сountries sending representatives to Putin's "inauguration"

Six EU member states will send diplomats to Vladimir Putin's "inauguration," with one country changing its decision at the last minute

This information comes from Radio Svoboda.

As per the list obtained by the publication, diplomats from France, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Hungary, and Slovakia will be present at Putin's inauguration.

According to diplomatic sources within the European Union, Belgium initially planned to send its representative to the event as of the evening of May 6. However, it was later announced in the morning that the country would not take part in the ceremony.

Reuters reported on the evening of May 6 that seven countries, including France, intend to attend Putin's inauguration at the ambassadorial level.

A diplomatic source from Paris stated, "France will be represented by its ambassador in Russia."

Furthermore, the source highlighted that France had previously criticized the repressive context of the Russian presidential election, citing the lack of a genuine choice for voters. France also condemned the organization of elections in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, which it views as a violation of international law.

According to a European diplomat interviewed by the publication, 20 EU member states will boycott the "inauguration," while 7 other countries are expected to send their representatives.

The German Foreign Ministry announced that it would not participate in the event.

• On April 17, the PACE adopted a resolution urging non-recognition of Putin as the legitimate president of the Russian Federation.
• On May 6, it was reported that the EU's High Representative, Josep Borrell, opposed EU member states' leaders participating in Vladimir Putin's "inauguration" in Moscow.
• Also on May 6, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine urged foreign countries, international organizations, and the public not to recognize Vladimir Putin as the legitimate president of Russia.