Trump’s Denial of Moscow Visit and the Controversy Surrounding the Russia Parade

U.S. President Donald Trump has categorically denied reports that he plans to visit Moscow on May 9 to attend a parade marking the 80th anniversary of Russia’s victory in the Great Patriotic War. The French weekly news magazine Le Point had cited anonymous sources suggesting that Trump might participate in the event, which commemorates the Eastern Front battles of World War II. When questioned at the White House, Trump dismissed the reports, stating, "No, no, I’m not. I’m not." This denial comes amid growing tensions between the U.S. and Russia, particularly over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The possibility of Trump attending the Moscow parade had sparked widespread speculation, given his often controversial approach to foreign policy and his past praise for Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, Trump’s denial aligns with the broader diplomatic sensitivities surrounding Russia’s role in the war in Ukraine. The May 9 parade is a deeply symbolic event for Russia, and Trump’s potential attendance would have carries significant geopolitical implications.

A Controversial Minerals Deal with Ukraine

In addition to the Moscow visit speculation, Trump also addressed reports of a potential minerals deal between the U.S. and Ukraine. According to sources, the deal would grant the U.S. a 50% share of all revenues generated from Ukraine’s rare earth minerals and natural resources. This arrangement, presented to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in February, has been framed as a form of payment for previous U.S. military support to Ukraine.

Trump expressed optimism about the deal, stating, "I think we’re pretty close, yeah. I think they want it. They feel good about it." However, his comments starkly contrast with Zelenskyy’s public stance. On Wednesday, Zelenskyy firmly rejected the deal, declaring, "I can’t sell Ukraine," and refusing to sign the agreement. Ukraine’s leader argued that the U.S. demand for $500 billion in mineral wealth was far beyond the $67 billion in military aid provided since 2022 and lacked sufficient security guarantees.

The disagreement highlights the growing friction between Trump and Zelenskyy, with Trump criticizing the Ukrainian leader for not accepting the deal sooner and implying that the U.S. deserves reimbursement for its support. Trump remarked, "But it’s we get our money back. This should have been signed long before we went in. It should have been signed by Biden. But Biden didn’t know too much about what he was doing." These comments reflect Trump’s broader narrative oftransactionsal diplomacy and his perception of Ukraine as a debtor rather than a strategic ally.

Escalating Tensions Between Trump and Zelenskyy

The rift between Trump and Zelenskyy has deepened further, with both leaders engaging in a war of words. On Wednesday, Trump suggested that Ukraine was responsible for starting the war, a claim that drew sharp criticism from Zelenskyy. The Ukrainian president accused Trump of living in a Russian "disinformation bubble," a scathing rebuke that underscores the deteriorating relationship between the two leaders.

The following day, Trump escalated the dispute by labeling Zelenskyy a "dictator" for not holding fresh elections after his mandate expired in May 2023. Trump’s remarks ignore the extraordinary circumstances under which Ukraine has been operating since the Russian invasion, including the imposition of martial law. Elections in Ukraine are currently impossible due to the ongoing conflict, as per the country’s constitution.

In a radio interview with Fox News on Friday, Trump further downplayed Zelenskyy’s role in ceasefire negotiations, stating, "They don’t have any cards… I don’t think he’s very important to be in meetings." These comments were directly contradicted by Keith Kellogg, the White House’s Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, who praised Zelenskyy as an "embattled and courageous leader of a nation at war." Kellogg’s remarks follow his meeting with Zelenskyy in Kyiv, which he described as "long and intense" but ultimately positive.

European Allies Rally Around Zelenskyy Amid Trump’s Pro-Russia Posture

As tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy escalate, European allies have increasingly rallied around the Ukrainian leader. European leaders are growing concerned about Trump’s apparent pivot toward Moscow and the potential for peace negotiations that exclude Ukraine and favor Russian interests. On Monday, European leaders convened a crisis summit in Paris, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, ahead of U.S. officials meeting Russian diplomats in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. Notably, neither Ukrainian nor European representatives were invited to those talks.

The exclusion of Ukraine from the negotiations has raised alarm bells in European capitals, with many fearing that Trump’s stance could undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and negotiating position. Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer are set to make separate visits to Washington next week to discuss ways to end the war in Ukraine. While Trump referred to Macron as a "friend of mine" and Starmer as a "nice guy," he also criticized their efforts, saying, "They haven’t done anything" to resolve the conflict.

The growing divide between Trump and European leaders highlights the challenges of maintaining a unified Western front in supporting Ukraine. As European leaders seek to bolster Zelenskyy’s position, Trump’s erratic rhetoric and negotiating approach continue to create uncertainty and complexity in the ongoing conflict.

Implications for the Future of the Ukraine War

The evolving dynamics between the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine carry significant implications for the future of the war and global geopolitics. Trump’s denial of plans to attend the Moscow parade offers a rare moment of clarity amid the swirling speculation, but his broader approach to Ukraine and Russia remains deeply controversial. The failed minerals deal and the verbal sparring with Zelenskyy underscore the challenges of balancing U.S. interests with Ukraine’s sovereignty and security needs.

Meanwhile, the exclusion of Ukraine from key diplomatic talks and Trump’s dismissive remarks about Zelenskyy’s importance raise concerns about the marginalization of Kyiv in peace negotiations. European allies are increasingly stepping in to fill the gap, but their efforts are constrained by Trump’s unpredictable foreign policy decisions. As the war enters a critical phase, the interplay between these leaders will shape not only the conflict’s outcome but also the future of transatlantic relations and global security.

In conclusion, the current state of diplomacy surrounding the Ukraine war reflects a complex and volatile landscape, marked by shifting alliances, competing interests, and sharp rhetorical exchanges. As Trump, Zelenskyy, and European leaders navigate this treacherous terrain, the stakes remain high for Ukraine’s future and the stability of the international order.