The invitation for French troops comes as Macron is seeking a policy of dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin even on the most contentious issues, a stance that has raised eyebrows among some EU counterparts. "We deeply respect the memory of the French soldiers, who together with the Red Army, battled against the common enemy and will be happy to see a French contingent among participants of the Victory Parade in Red Square on May 9," Gerasimov told France's top general Francois Lecointre.
He said "direct and open" dialogue with France was important, especially in the run-up to the commemorations, the defence ministry said.