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Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has confirmed that the traditional May 9 reception for foreign and honorary guests of the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow will proceed in its customary format, even as this year's military parade and related events have been somewhat modified. The reception is scheduled for heads of state and delegations invited to the military parade, Peskov said at a briefing, as reported by TASS.

Coverage Comparison

All of the information in this article comes from TASS, which provided two separate reports. The first, dated April 27, focuses on the expected attendance of foreign leaders. The second, dated May 8, addresses the reception's format. Both reports quote Kremlin spokespersons directly and present the information without critical commentary.

Key Claims

  • Reception format unchanged: Peskov stated that the traditional reception will take place 'in its customary format' and 'will be no different,' despite the modifications to the Red Square parade and Immortal Regiment march this year. This was reported by TASS on May 8.
  • Foreign leaders expected: Russia expects a number of foreign leaders to attend the May 9 Victory Day parade in Red Square. Peskov made this statement in an interview with Izvestia, as reported by TASS on April 27.
  • Leaders' expressed desire: A number of leaders have expressed a desire to join Russians in celebrating Victory Day, and 'We will be pleased to welcome them here,' Peskov said.
  • Announcement of attendees: The Kremlin will announce which foreign leaders will attend the May 9 Victory Day celebrations in Moscow in due course, Peskov had earlier said.
  • State visits confirmed: Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov added that a number of statesmen had expressed a wish to visit Moscow on May 9.
  • Presidential messages: Russian President Vladimir Putin conveyed his best wishes to the leaders of several countries, including Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as to the peoples of Georgia, Moldova, Abkhazia, and South Ossetia, on the anniversary of Victory.