German Chancellor Angela Merkel said it would be a "pity" if Russian President Vladimir Putin went to Crimea for a military parade to mark the victory in World War Two.
Merkel was asked by a journalist on May 6 about reports Putin planned to be in Crimea for the commemoration of the end of the Second World War.
Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in March in violation of international law.
Merkel said May 9 was an important date for Russia to commemorate the defeat of Nazi Germany but she added, "I think it is a shame if such a day is used to hold a parade in such an area of conflict."
Russian media reported in April that Putin could attend the May 9 in Sevastopol, where Russia's Black Sea Fleet is based.
Merkel was asked by a journalist on May 6 about reports Putin planned to be in Crimea for the commemoration of the end of the Second World War.
Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in March in violation of international law.
Merkel said May 9 was an important date for Russia to commemorate the defeat of Nazi Germany but she added, "I think it is a shame if such a day is used to hold a parade in such an area of conflict."
Russian media reported in April that Putin could attend the May 9 in Sevastopol, where Russia's Black Sea Fleet is based.
