EU Ministers Rally in Lviv: A Peaceful Response to Russia's Military Parade
Diplomats from the European Union convene in Lviv for a World War II commemoration gathering. - Foreign ministers from the EU congregate in Lviv to honor the memory of World War events.
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas made a bold move this year, contradicting the usual military parade in Moscow on May 9th with her statement, "All those who stand for peace should be in Ukraine, not in Moscow."
This stance became even more significant as EU Foreign Ministers, including Kaja Kallas, gathered in Lviv to honor World War II Remembrance and Europe Day. As Russia showcased military might during its traditional Victory Day parade, the EU ministers stood united in Lviv, their presence and activities serving as a clear counter-message.
In Lviv, delegations from 35 countries and the Council of Europe came together to pay tribute to fallen Ukrainian soldiers. They visited sites like the Field of Honorary Graves at Lychakiv Cemetery, where those who lost their lives defending Ukraine rest. This meeting took place during the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration and Europe Day, symbolizing unity and peace across the continent.
However, the festivities in Lviv were held against the backdrop of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The ministers' discussions focused on increased support for Ukraine, including new defense aid and steps towards establishing an international tribunal to hold Russian leadership accountable for their actions. Kaja Kallas announced an EU allocation of 1 billion euros to strengthen Ukraine's defense industry, and the plan for a political approval to initiate the tribunal aimed at prosecuting Putin and other Kremlin officials.
Kallas and the other ministers made it clear that their presence in Lviv represented a rejection of Russia’s use of military parades to legitimize its war effort. They emphasized solidarity for lasting peace and justice, contrasting this with Russia’s show of military might. Speaking to the gathered crowd, Kallas said, "Today, we celebrate Europe Day with Ukraine and its people. Because in a family, both joys and hardships are shared."
Overall, the EU Foreign Ministers' meeting in Lviv was a somber tribute to those who lost their lives defending Ukraine and a powerful political statement. It underscored ongoing and enhanced EU commitments in military support, legal accountability for Russian aggression, and Ukraine’s European integration – a stark contrast to Russia’s traditional Victory Day display of military power in Moscow.
[1] BBC News. (2025, May 9). EU foreign ministers gather in Ukraine for joint celebration. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61686133
[3] Reuters. (2025, May 9). EU pledges millions to boost Ukraine's defense capacity. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/eu-pledges-millions-boost-ukraines-defense-capacity-2025-05-09/
[5] CNN. (2025, May 9). EU plans international tribunal to prosecute Putin for Ukraine aggression. [online] Available at: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/09/europe/ukraine-eu-putin-tribunal-intl/index.html
- Andriy Sybiha, along with other EU Foreign Ministers, convened in Lviv, Ukraine, steering clear of Russia's military parade on the same day, underscoring their stance against war and support for peace.
- On the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration and Europe Day, the gathered ministers, including Kaja Kallas, commemorated fallen Ukrainian soldiers and reaffirmed their commitment to the European Union's values.
- In the midst of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the EU ministers met to discuss increased defense aid for Ukraine and plans to establish an international tribunal to prosecute Russian leaders.
- As Russia showcased military might in its traditional Victory Day parade, the EU ministers in Lviv, including Kaja Kallas, presented a counter-message symbolizing unity, peace, and justice during the commemoration of World War II.
