Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov has not received an invitation to participate in the celebrations in Moscow, which will commemorate the 70^th anniversary of Victory Day on May 9.

It is expected that Heads of State or Government and ministers from all over the world will gather in Moscow to witness the military parade of the Russian army, daily Trud reports.

Borisov stated on Sunday that Bulgaria has a firm Euroatlantic orientation, pointing to the country's membership to the EU and NATO.

The Prime Minister expressed his dissatisfaction with the continuing conflict in Ukraine and the sanctions imposed on Russia.

Borisov said that he was in favour of lifting the sanctions, but as long as people continued to be killed in Ukraine, they would be maintained as an instrument of pressure on Russia.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, British Prime Minister David Cameron and European Council President Donald Tusk have refused to attend the ceremonies due to the lasting conflict in Ukraine.

The Presidents of Poland and Slovakia had similarly turned down the invitations, while Czech President Milos Zeman confirmed his presence.

Zeman, who is known for his often pro-Russian stance, dismissed the calls of opposition to boycott the celebrations.

The Czech President said that the 100 000 Soviet troops, who had given their lives for the liberation of Czechoslovakia, were not responsible for Moscow's current policy.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced on March 17 that 26 Heads of State have confirmed their participation at the celebrations marking the 70^th anniversary of Victory Day.

Invitations had been sent out to 68 states, as well as to the leaders of the United Nations, Council of Europe, the EU and UNESCO.

Among those, who have confirmed their participation, are Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Heads of State of India, South Africa, Vietnam and North Korea.

Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev had been invited, but a visit to Moscow is not planned on his schedule.

Plevneliev usually participates in events dedicated to Europe Day, which is similarly celebrated on May 9.

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