The only foreign leader who will take part in the solemn events in Moscow dedicated to Victory Day will be the President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov. This was reported to Vedomosti by a diplomatic source and an interlocutor close to the presidential administration.
Sadyr Zhaparov received an invitation to visit Russia on March 31 from Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk, who oversees international relations in the government. At a meeting with the Kyrgyz President, he stressed: "On May 8-9, we expect your official visit. Of particular importance to this visit is the fact that it is timed to celebrate our most important common holiday — Victory Day. Of course, we always remember what contribution Kyrgyzstan made to this victory and the defense of Moscow, this is sacred to us."
The interlocutors of Vedomosti note that during the visit of the President of Kyrgyzstan, it is planned not only to attend solemn events, but also negotiations at the highest level. The last time Russian President Vladimir Putin and Sadyr Zhaparov met was in December 2022.
In 2022, Vladimir Putin did not invite any of the heads of foreign states to Moscow for Victory Day. His press secretary Dmitry Peskov explained that "this is not an anniversary date." He also added that this is "our holiday, a holiday for all Russians." Only the President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, arrived in Moscow from foreign leaders for the parade in 2021.
Preparations for the Victory Parade on Red Square began on April 3. Dmitry Peskov admitted that military personnel involved in the military operation in Ukraine will take part in it. There are no plans to hold a traditional organized march of the "Immortal Regiment" in 2023.
