Zeman confirms Moscow visit for WWII anniversary

Czech president Milos Zeman has confirmed that he will take part in a military parade in Moscow on May 9 planned to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the ending of World War II. He’s come under criticism for the decision in regards to Russia’s intervention in Ukraine, an issue that’s led numerous western political leaders to boycott the parade which will take place on Red Square. German chancellor Angela Merkel will travel to Moscow a day after the event takes place. Zeman’s less-than-critical stance on Russia’s involvement in Ukraine has drawn fire from many quarters but his position on this parade is simple: “It would have been impossible to defeat Hitler without the Soviet Union.” Defense Minister Martin Stropnický called the decision “unfortunate.”