Munich, Germany, Feb 15 (EFE).- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned on Saturday that Russian President Vladimir Putin aims to use US President Donald Trump as a “prop” at Moscow’s May 9 military parade, which commemorates the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
“Putin will try to have Trump standing in Red Square on May 9, but not as a respected leader—rather as a prop for his show,” Zelenskyy said at the Munich Security Conference.
His remarks followed a Wednesday phone conversation between Trump and Putin, during which they discussed potential reciprocal visits.
Trump’s call, his first official conversation with Putin since returning to the White House, was notably warm.
The US president praised Putin’s stated willingness to pursue peace and highlighted opportunities for US-Russia cooperation, comments that raised concerns in Ukraine.
Following his discussion with Putin, Trump called Zelenskyy to brief him on the conversation.
Meanwhile, diplomatic engagement between Washington and Kyiv continued Friday with Zelenskyy’s first meeting with US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Trump’s special representative for the war, Keith Kellogg. EFE
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