MOSCOW, April 21 (UPI) -- Western leaders will be absent from Russia's May 9 Victory Day celebration in Moscow, although U.S. Ambassador to Russia John Tefft, confirmed Tuesday he will attend.
The massive commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, what Russian President Vladimir Putin calls the country's "biggest holiday," will include a parade involving 16,000 Russian soldiers, 200 armored vehicles and 150 aircraft. Tefft's confirmation of his presence is an official indication that U.S. President Barack Obama, like most Western heads of state, will not be there, a diplomatic snub to protest Russian activity in Ukraine.