Donald Trump has always had an interest in military parades and strong leaders. Today, he may be watching with a hint of envy as Vladimir Putin showcases a grand display in Moscow, joined by Chinese leader Xi Jinping for the Victory Day celebrations in Red Square.
European allies of Ukraine are on high alert, concerned about any developments that could disrupt the fragile peace efforts. Trump’s patience with his proposed "peace deal" seems to be fading, raising fears that Ukraine could face repercussions. This would be deeply unfair, as Ukraine has made significant efforts to accommodate Trump’s one-sided approach, which has often favored Russia in this ongoing conflict.
While Trump’s plan does not endorse Russia’s annexation of occupied territories and does not call for complete disarmament of Ukraine, many of its terms align closely with Moscow’s demands. The deal is being pushed by Steve Witkoff, a close associate of Trump, who lacks experience in diplomatic negotiations.
The situation is tense. Witkoff and Trump have been lenient towards Putin, but a pivotal moment is approaching. Ukraine has shown willingness for a longer ceasefire, but Putin has not committed to the same. This uncertainty has left Ukraine’s allies worried that Trump might shift blame onto them for any lack of progress and withdraw U.S. military support.
However, a recent minerals agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine has given Trump something to show for his efforts, allowing him to approve an initial $50 million in arms sales to Ukraine. This development has provided a temporary reprieve, but the coming days remain critical.
Putin’s self-declared three-day ceasefire raises concerns that it could lead to escalation if either side violates it. In Kyiv, there is skepticism about Putin’s intentions, viewing the ceasefire as a tactical move rather than a genuine step toward peace. The fear is that any pause in fighting could be exploited by Russia for military advantage.
As tensions mount, any significant flare-up, such as a Ukrainian drone strike on Moscow during the Victory Day events, could provoke a strong response from the U.S. president, especially as he embarks on his first foreign trip since taking office. For now, Trump appears less focused on the Ukraine conflict and has refrained from threatening to withdraw support.
The situation remains fluid, and the stakes are high. As Europe reflects on the sacrifices made for peace 80 years ago, the question looms: can they unite once more in the absence of strong American involvement? This remains an open and pressing issue.