Obama invited to Russia's WWII commemoration

Talk about your awkward invitations.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin has invited President Obama and other western leaders to next year's 70th anniversary celebration of Russia's victory in World War II -- even though many of these leaders have levied economic sanctions on Putin's government for its aggression in neighboring Ukraine.

No word yet on whether Obama and his allies will accept.

The United States and other countries could always send other representatives to May 9 ceremonies in Moscow commemorating Russia's victory over Nazi Germany in 1945.

Yuri Ushakov, a top aide to Putin, told reporters that, "naturally, all countries that took part in the anti-Hitler coalition are invited," and that includes the United States.

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

From the AFP wire service:

"Ushakov confirmed that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un -- whose government is locked in a war of words with the United States over a cyber attack on Sony Pictures blamed on Pyongyang -- had also been invited to the ceremonies.

"Russia marks the victory of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany with an annual military parade on Red Square aimed at showcasing Russia's military might.

"The invitation to Obama comes amid a deep chill in relations between Russia and the West, triggered by Russia's annexation of the Crimea peninsula from Ukraine and its support for a rebellion in the country's east."