US President responds to media interest in meeting with Putin in Moscow
US President Donald Trump has denied rumors that he will travel to Moscow on May 9 to meet with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.
On Friday, the French weekly Le Point, citing anonymous sources, reported that Trump may attend the parade being held in the Russian capital to mark the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, a term used in Russia to describe the eastern front during World War II.
Asked at the White House if he planned to make the trip, Trump dismissed the possibility. "No, I'm not going. I'm not going," he said.
Trump was also asked about the potential deal for Ukraine's rare earth minerals, which was presented to President Zelensky by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in early February.
The agreement stipulates that the United States will receive 50 percent of all revenues generated from Ukrainian strategic minerals, as part of what America considers a kind of compensation for the military support it has provided to Kiev.
"I think we're close to a deal. Yes. They want it and they agree. It's a very big deal that keeps us in that country and they're very happy about it," Trump added.