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Trump’s attendance at WWII victory celebrations in Moscow depends on his schedule — Lavrov

The top diplomat added that Russia and the US would also celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Elbe Day

US President Donald Trump AP Photo/ Evan Vucci

US President Donald Trump

© AP Photo/ Evan Vucci

MOSCOW, December 23. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump has expressed interest in attending the celebratory events timed to the 75th anniversary of victory in the Second World War (WWII) set to be held in Moscow on May 9, 2020, however, the US leader’s attendance depends on his schedule, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Monday during a session of the Russian Federation Council (upper house of parliament).

"The US president has received the invitation by [Russian President] Vladimir Putin, along with other leaders of the anti-Hitler coalition and other states, to take part in the celebrations timed to the 75th anniversary of victory on May 9 in Moscow on Red Square. President Trump has stressed the importance of this date many times, namely during my visit to Washington. He has expressed interest in taking part in the events if his schedule allows it," the Russian top diplomat noted.

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"Currently, we are also discussing another date," he continued. "In the run-up to May 9, the 75th anniversary of the Elbe Day [the meeting of Soviet and American troops at the Elbe River on April 25, 1945 — TASS] will be observed. Our non-governmental organizations, along with Russian and US veteran organizations, maintain regular contact and plan to mark this event."

Lavrov added that the countries would also celebrate the upcoming anniversary of the Yalta Conference [the meeting between Soviet, US and UK leaders on February 4-11, 1945]. "I think that our experts would hold conferences and meetings timed to the anniversary of the Yalta Conference. At this stage, there are no events planned or approved at the level of government," the Russian foreign minister informed.

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