Zvezda quoted an unnamed diplomatic source suggesting Rubio could represent the United States at the parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II. The Kremlin previously stated Trump would not attend the event.
In January 2025, Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov said invitations to the parade were extended to guests from 19 “friendly countries,” with 10 confirming participation, though he did not specify which nations.
Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico accepted an invitation, and Russian media reported China’s leader Xi Jinping is expected to attend, while Trump denied rumors of his own participation.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s office confirmed he will not attend.
On April 28, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a three-day “ceasefire” in the war against Ukraine, from 12:00 a.m. on May 8 to 12:00 a.m. on May 11, tied to the May 9 Victory Day celebrations.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha rejected the proposal, urging Russia to cease fire immediately if it seeks peace, rather than waiting until May 8.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy insisted any ceasefire must last at least 30 days.