The Latest: Russia-West rift at forefront of celebrations for victory over Nazis

In contrast to Russia’s celebrations marking 80 years since the surrender of the Nazis, European leaders agreed to set up a tribunal to try Russian leaders for Moscow’s war on Ukraine.

The rift between Western European powers and Russia — erstwhile allies who defeated Nazi Europe — was laid even more bare Friday as the European Union pledged another 2 billion euros to help Ukraine arm, this time with money raised from Russia’s own frozen assets.

Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted the leaders of China, Brazil and many others for a massive parade meant to project Russian power.

While Britain, France and the U.S. held ceremonies Thursday, EU foreign ministers opted to meet in Lviv in support of Ukraine. European leaders will do the same as they gather in Oslo.

Here is the latest.

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Putin meets Slovakia's populist PM Robert Fico

Russian President Vladimir Putin met Friday with Slovakia’s populist Prime Minister Robert Fico, who has openly challenged the European Union’s policies over Ukraine.

Baltic countries Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, which border Russia, announced plans earlier this week to close their airspace to the planes carrying Serbia’s and Slovakia’s leaders to Moscow out of safety concerns.

Putin thanked Fico for the visit and mentioned “logistical challenges.”

“I think that those who tried to prevent you from coming have once again realized that it is better not to do so," Putin said. “You achieve your goals anyway.”

The Russian leader promised to work towards restoring bilateral ties with EU and NATO member Slovakia. Those ties, he said, had been “effectively frozen” by the previous Slovak government, “which clearly followed the collective line of the West.”

Russian state news agency RIA Novosti quoted Fico as saying that Slovakia was interested in “normal” relations with Russia, and that he welcomes diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine, as “there is no military solution” to the conflict.