Azadi Post:

1- Russian Welcome and Parallel Diplomacy:

The Kremlin, through its spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, has expressed Moscow’s willingness to welcome former U.S. President Donald Trump should an agreement be reached on the matter. Additionally, President Vladimir Putin has reiterated his invitation to all world leaders to share Russia’s pride in Victory Day, celebrated annually on May 9. This announcement comes amid heightened political tensions between Moscow and the West, at a time when the United States and its European allies continue to impose severe sanctions on Russia due to the Ukraine crisis. However, the Kremlin emphasized that such sanctions are “imposed quickly and lifted quickly,” hinting at the possibility of reaching understandings with Washington independently of traditional Western pressures. 

2- The Significance of the Putin-Trump Phone Call: 

The recent hour-and-a-half-long phone conversation between Putin and Trump reflected both sides' willingness to explore avenues of cooperation, particularly concerning the Ukraine crisis and prisoner exchanges between the two nations. According to Peskov, the two leaders agreed to establish negotiation teams on Ukraine and the normalization of relations between Moscow and Washington, signaling a mutual interest in seeking middle-ground solutions. Notably, Russian statements made no mention of any role for Europe or Ukraine in these bilateral discussions, reflecting Moscow’s view that Washington remains the primary actor in resolving the conflict, while European capitals are considered secondary players in the equation. 

3- The Implications of Trump’s Potential Visit to Moscow:

Talk of Trump’s visit to Russia arises at a time when the U.S. political landscape is deeply polarized, with the presidential elections approaching. Trump is known for his less confrontational stance toward Moscow compared to his Democratic rivals, making him a more favorable figure in Russian political circles. On the other hand, Trump’s potential visit to Moscow could provoke strong reactions within the United States, as U.S.-Russia relations remain a contentious issue between the Republican and Democratic parties—especially given the past allegations against Trump regarding Russian interference in U.S. elections.

4- Putin’s Message to the West:

The public endorsement of a Trump visit at this particular time carries clear political implications. It reinforces the notion that Moscow remains open to dialogue with Washington but prefers direct negotiations without European intermediaries. Moreover, Putin’s emphasis on welcoming world leaders to Victory Day serves to project Russia as a resilient power, capable of maintaining its global stature despite Western-imposed sanctions.

In conclusion, if Trump’s visit to Russia materializes, it would be a pivotal event in international relations—not only in terms of Moscow-Washington ties but also concerning the balance of power within U.S. politics itself. Will Trump take the risk of such a visit amid mounting domestic and international pressures? Or is the Kremlin’s announcement merely a diplomatic maneuver aimed at sending a message to Moscow’s adversaries? The coming days will reveal much.