Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev will not attend the Victory Day parade in Moscow scheduled for May 9. This was confirmed by Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov.

“They explained his absence by noting that he is expected to participate in domestic events dedicated to Heydar Aliyev,” Ushakov said, as reported by RBC.

Laos Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith will also not travel to Moscow after contracting COVID-19. The country will instead be represented by Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane.