Vladimir Putin has already started preparations for the military parade on May 9, one of the most important dates on the Russian calendar. This year, Victory Day, which commemorates the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, reaches its 80th anniversary and the Kremlin says it is expected. Although his identity has not been revealed, speculation is high.
A source close to the Kremlin, cited by an independent media such as Medusahas suggested that Donald Trump would be a “fantastic” choice. The American president, who is about to take up his second term, has promised to end the war in Ukraine. However, his statements about the possibility of giving concessions to both Russia and the Ukrainians have provoked criticism and speculation in equal measure.
In 2020, explains the magazine , Trump’s then National Security Advisor, Robert O’Brien, represented the United States in the Victory Parade since the Republican magnate chose not to attend the event on the advice of his advisors. Since the start of the war in Ukraine, no US official has participated in these events, raising expectations about the possibility of a change in position.
Contained celebrations and a message of “victory”
Putin has asked regional governors and public organizations to get involved in the preparations, although sources inside the Kremlin admit that this year the event will be more discreet. The war in Ukraine has triggered Russian military spending, which has quadrupled its budget since the conflict began. According to Craig Kennedy, a former Morgan Stanley banker, real expenses far exceed the official figure.
The Kremlin is also finalizing the details of the speech that will shape the parade. According to Russian media, the narrative will focus on presenting the “liberation of Donbas” as a key achievement. “We will talk about victory in [el Donbás]but the big question is whether there will be peace agreements or ceasefires by then. It is not certain that there are,” explained a Russian government source.
Keith Kellogg, appointed by Trump as special envoy for peace in Ukraine, has already announced that he will travel to kyiv after the Republican’s inauguration, on January 20. If the US Administration finally attends the parade, the decision could mark a turn in relations between both countries and open new doors to negotiations.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin is silent on the name of the guest, letting speculation grow. Whoever the representative of the United States is, his presence in Moscow could become a key moment in international diplomacy.
