Trump denies rumors he will meet President Putin on Victory Day

(CLO) US President Donald Trump has denied reports that he will travel to Moscow on May 9 to attend the parade marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory Day in the Great Patriotic War over Nazi Germany.

French magazine Le Point, citing anonymous sources, reported earlier this week that Mr Trump would likely attend the event in the Russian capital and meet with his counterpart Vladimir Putin. The news quickly gained traction, fuelling speculation about a possible change in Mr Trump’s policy towards Moscow.

However, when asked at the White House on Friday whether he intended to go, Mr Trump immediately denied: "No, I don't."

US President Donald Trump. Photo: GI

Earlier, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said during the phone call, the two leaders agreed to stay in touch and arrange a face-to-face meeting. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that as soon as the meeting between the two presidents is confirmed, the world will be informed.

On Friday, Mr. Trump also commented on a mineral deal between the United States and Ukraine, under which Washington wants to receive 50% of the revenue from Ukraine's rare earth minerals to offset military aid.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has refused, insisting that “Ukraine cannot be sold” and criticizing the US for not providing enough aid. Washington has provided around $67 billion in arms aid to Ukraine since 2022, but has demanded that Kiev hand over $500 billion worth of mineral assets.

Mr Trump not only dismissed the Moscow trip as a rumor, but also continued to criticize Ukraine’s handling of the conflict and questioned Mr Zelenskyy’s role in peace talks.

Mr Trump's comments come amid concerns among European allies about what they see as Mr Trump's pivot towards Russia.

Some analysts say the rumours of Mr Trump attending the parade could increase tensions between Washington and Kiev, especially as relations between Mr Trump and Mr Zelenskyy have recently become strained.

Ngoc Anh (according to TASS, Euronews)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/ong-trump-bac-tin-don-se-gap-tong-thong-putin-vao-ngay-chien-thang-post335644.html