Tusk said that the presence of planet leaders and another officials and their applause for the Russian president Vladimir Putin after his speech on the alleged Nazi Purge in Ukraine was a “honor”. He added that the participants of the ceremony “refused to see the truth”.
Over 20 abroad leaders, including — as the only European but Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko — Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and president of Serbia, Alexandar Vucic, took part in the ceremonies held by Putin in Red Square, which was met with criticism from EU officials. The celebrations in Moscow, which were held with increased safety measures, were besides attended by China's president Xi Jinping.
The Russian president welcomed Fico and Vucicia to the Kremlin shortly before the military parade began. Although both Macron and Tusk refrained from pointing out circumstantial European leaders present at the parade, it was clear to whom their criticism was directed. “I am not certain that he was the best decision on May 9 and that this is the best explanation of the 21st century,” said Macron.
Tusk besides stated that celebrating soldiers who will then “bomb cities, schools and hospitals” in Ukraine, is ‘disgrace’.
Polish-French treaty in Nancy
Macron and Tusk met in the French city of Nancyto sign a bilateral treaty to strengthen defence and safety cooperation between the 2 countries. The treaty includes an work to defend each another in the event of an aggressor attack, strengthening the ties between allies following Russia's war with Ukraine.
The French president besides countered the attacks of those who tried to argue Moscow and Brussels as 2 forces seeking hegemony in Europe. respective Western ministers and leading diplomats, including EU abroad policy chief Kaja Kallas, German abroad minister Johann Wadephul and British abroad minister David Lama, went to Ukraine on Friday to honor the victims of Russian aggression.
PAP/EP/CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON / POOL / PAPFrench president Emmanuel Macron (P) and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk (L) after signing the French-Polish pact on relationship and strategical cooperation, Nancy, France, 9 May 2025.
— quite a few people compare Moscow and Brussels, I've heard about it... But Moscow is the capital of Russia, while Brussels is the capital chosen free, under our treaties," said Macron.
