Why Merkel Won’t be in Moscow on May 9th
Lesson Brief
BBC Russian
Like many world leaders, German chancellor Angela Merkel has turned down the invitation to be in Moscow for Victory Day celebrations on May 9th. However, she will be in Moscow the next day to lay a wreath at the Kremlin's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. While it is no secret that Merkel is extremely critical of Russia's involvement in prolonging the conflict in Ukraine, she has also stated that it is her responsibility as the leader of Germany to pay due respect to Russia for the millions of lives taken at the hands of German soldiers during World War 2.