Japanese Prime Minister to Miss May 9 Victory Day in Moscow – Reports

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe reportedly will not attend Moscow on May 9 Victory Day celebration.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will not attend Moscow on May 9 Victory Day celebration, Japan Daily NK online newspaper said Friday.

Tokyo may send an envoy to Russia's capital to commemorate the end of World War II in Europe, according to the news outlet.

Many European leaders have declined invitations to join the Victory Day events, citing Russia's alleged involvement in the Ukrainian crisis.

In February, Kremlin Chief of Staff Sergei Ivanov remarked that Russia would survive if other countries did not attend the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow.

Leaders from at least 25 states, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korea's Kim Jong Un, have accepted invitations to attend the events. A full list of participants is expected to be announced by the end of April.

On May 9, extensive celebrations are planned in Moscow to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Nazi Germany's capitulation.