The magazine said the accreditations were canceled by phone.
Der Spiegel journalists learned that reporters from ARD, ZDF, Sky, AFP, Italy’s
Rai broadcaster and Japan’s NHK had also had their accreditations revoked.
Der Spiegel quoted an unnamed Kremlin official as saying:
“The format for covering the parade has been changed due to the current
situation. Therefore, foreign media outlets that have already received
accreditation will not be allowed in.”
The Kremlin representative gave no details about the
cancellation or the “situation” that prompted the change.
Other foreign media outlets were told: “Only Russian media
will be admitted,” Der Spiegel reported.
The magazine noted that this was the first time foreign
media outlets had been accredited for a May 9 parade by the Kremlin and then
stripped of access.
Earlier, the Astra Telegram channel reported that the list
of foreign guests expected in Moscow for May 9 this year would be very short:
Among sitting heads of state, only Malaysia’s king and the president of Laos
were expected at the parade.
The only politician from an EU country set to visit Russia
on May 9 is Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico — but even he will not attend the
parade.