Russian President Vladimir Putin has already begun initial preparations for his annual Victory Day military parade in May, and he is expecting a special guest from the U.S. for the big day, a Kremlin insider has said.
Newsweek contacted the Kremlin and a spokesperson for the Trump-Vance transition team for comment by email on Thursday.
Why It Matters
On May 9, Russia celebrates Victory Day, which is the annual commemoration of Nazi Germany's defeat during World War II. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Victory Day celebrations. Putin typically uses the day to show off Russia's military power and invites foreign leaders to a parade in Red Square in Moscow.
Should a guest from the U.S. attend this year, the individual is likely to be someone from or associated with the incoming Trump administration. Then-U.S. National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien traveled to Moscow in 2020 to attend the celebrations. U.S. officials at the time said Donald Trump—who was serving his first term as president—had to be pressured by his advisers against going.
U.S. officials have not attended in recent years because of the ongoing war that Russia launched against Ukraine in February 2022.
What To Know
A source close to the Kremlin told Meduza, an independent Russian outlet, that Putin is expecting a "big guest" from the U.S. on May 9. The source didn't elaborate on who the official could be, but said Trump himself "would be fantastic."
Trump has vowed to bring an end to the conflict when he enters office, but has suggested concessions must be made by both Russia and Ukraine.
Putin held a meeting on Wednesday to kickstart preparations for Victory Day, asking the heads of Russian regions and public organizations to "approach the upcoming events with conscience."
One Kremlin source said it's clear that Russia must trumpet victory of some sort regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine, but officials are uncertain of the details.
Another Kremlin source said Victory Day celebrations will be modest this year, as Russia has overspent in its war effort and can't afford a large-scale celebration. Russia's military spending has quadrupled since the the war in Ukraine began, and the total money spent so far may be significantly higher than the officially reported figures, according to Craig Kennedy, a former Morgan Stanley investment banker.
What People Are Saying
A Kremlin source told Meduza: "It is clear that we will have to talk about the victory in the [war in Ukraine]. But here is the main question: will peace or ceasefire agreements be reached? It is not a fact that they will be...I think, we will talk about the liberation of Donbas [Ukraine's Luhansk and Donetsk regions] as a victory at the moment."
What Happens Next?
It remains to be seen whether Trump will be able to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine to put an end to the war. Keith Kellogg, Trump's pick for special Ukraine peace envoy, said he will visit Ukraine after Trump's inauguration on January 20.
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