Abe invited to Moscow for V-Day ceremony in May but unlikely to go

Dunno, I can't see much for Abe to do with this one. Maybe it's diplomatic to go?

Now see that it was unwise to let Russia be a victor in WW2.

For once, Abe is able to stand by Japan’s long-term ally. That is a good thing.

Hopefully, for once, Abe will let his Putin-fantasy go. Putin has been using Abe for awhile, but the issue is that Abe does not get it - reality.

Putin has a sense of humor after all!

Abe would rather eat glass than go to this. His whole nationalist agenda is based on the vision of a strong Japan and on obfuscating the WW2 narrative. Will be surprised if Japan send anyone to this "celebration".

Now see that it was unwise to let Russia be a victor in WW2.

Hitler tried to prevent Russia to be a victor in WW2. You know how he ended?

Congrats to Russia, America, and Europe for the V day.

Asian countries should jointly celebrate the V day in August.

He's "unlikely" to go, but I notice Abe can't decide right out what to do. As usual he's busy trying to think of ways he can make the attempt to play both sides less obvious.

He's "unlikely" to go, his Masters in Washington won't like that.

The Soviets played a huge role in defeating Hitler, and it is important in particular for the Allied countries at that time to send someone in May. The United States, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, and others should most decidedly send someone of some rank, regardless of the distastefulness of having to see Putin. The Soviets did not enter the war in Asia until August 1945. Hence, Abe need not go, nor does Park Geun-hye. Kim JongUn's grandfather, on the other hand, was a Soviet officer.

@liarsnfools Screw the goodwill. This is an enemy of freedom we are talking about (Russia).

The Soviet Union had a non-aggression pact with Japan during WW2. They were secretly preparing for war, and declared war on 11pm on August 8, 1945, taking effect the next day. Only an hour later they attacked, not technically, but in effect violating the agreement. Stalin wanted revenge for the loss in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905. Around 250,000 Japanese civilians perished. Around 70,000 POW's died in Siberia.

While Japan was a main aggressor in WW2, in this case, Japan was also a victim, and the SU the aggressor.

May 5 is a Japanese holiday Tango no Sekku. May 9 is too close to this holiday.

There is no effective role of Japan in international politics. In internaitional politics, Japan`s position is almost zero. Just Putin invited Abe as a formality. So his attendance or absence is nothing for Putin or Russia.

However, Japanese media reported Tuesday that Abe is unlikely to attend, since Japan has backed the U.S. and Europe in imposing sanctions against Russia

I should say that during all period of Russian-Japanese relationships ( from 1855 ) it was a little bit complicated

I don't know why but it was complicated all the time (even comparing with China and Korea or even USA !)

So I think it's time to start a new page - just for a change

"He's "unlikely" to go, his Masters in Washington won't like that."

Are these the "masters" who are still trying to get Japan to import rice, GM, Ford and Chrysler vehicles, Futenma relocated to Heneko, etc.? lol

I hope he doesn't go, but why WOULD he WANT to go?