Putin Seeks Trump’s Pressure on Ukraine Ahead of May 9 Victory Day, Warns Ex-Foreign Minister Ohryzko

Analysis by Volodymyr Ohryzko on Ukraine’s Current Challenges

According to Главком: Volodymyr Ohryzko, a former Ukrainian foreign minister, believes Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is attempting to enlist Donald Trump and the United States in applying pressure on Ukraine just before May 9-Russia’s Victory Day. Ohryzko notes that Trump’s influence over Kyiv is no longer decisive, and that the Russian leadership now faces significant risks as this symbolic date approaches. For an English-speaking audience, it is important to understand that May 9 holds deep historical and propaganda value for Moscow, often used to rally domestic support.

Putin-Trump Phone Call Details

Putin and Trump held a phone conversation lasting over 90 minutes. During the call, Putin informed Trump of his readiness to declare a ceasefire covering May 9. According to Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov, the U.S. president supported this proposal. Trump reportedly stated that a peace settlement for the war is now close. The annual parade on Moscow’s Red Square on May 9 will proceed without columns of military hardware or cadets from military academies. The Kremlin attributes this decision to the threat of terrorist attacks and the absence of a milestone anniversary. Additionally, occupying forces are forced to scale back celebrations due to the real danger of Ukrainian strikes on the Russian capital.

Volodymyr Ohryzko also observed that

“it seems some cards have appeared, and quite strong ones at that,”

adding that if Putin fears attacks, it indicates his dire situation. Ohryzko emphasized that the elite surrounding Putin are beginning to worry about preserving their assets.

“We are delicate people. We cannot say, ‘Dear Comrade Trump, go take a hike.’ We will tell him that we greatly appreciate his peacemaking efforts,”

he noted, stressing that Ukraine needs to see what peaceful initiatives Russia actually implements.

Thus, the situation around May 9 remains tense, and the Kremlin’s actions reveal attempts at manipulation by Russia in the context of the war in Ukraine. Efforts to involve the U.S. in negotiations and peace initiatives may indicate that Russia feels pressure and is seeking ways to reduce tensions ahead of important historical dates. This underscores not only internal problems within the Kremlin but also potential shifts in the international landscape that could affect the conflict’s future trajectory.

As tensions escalate ahead of May 9, understanding the implications of Putin's ceasefire proposal to Trump becomes crucial. This strategic move raises questions about Moscow's intentions for the Victory Day celebrations and the potential impact on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Analyzing the dynamics of these discussions offers deeper insights into the geopolitical landscape as both leaders navigate this sensitive period.