Russian President Vladimir Putin might attempt to avoid a confrontation with American President Donald Trump and may be willing to offer him a diplomatic victory ahead of the American mid-term elections, stated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in an interview granted to Axios publication, published on September 7th.
Zelenski’s statements come after a new round of peace negotiations mediated by the United States, conducted by Donald Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, in Kiev and Moscow.
Asked whether Vladimir Putin might want to offer Donald Trump a diplomatic success ahead of the elections, Zelenski responded affirmatively.
“I have the feeling that Putin needs Trump”, Zelenski declared for Axios, adding that the Russian leader does not want to upset the American president.
Trump has largely withdrawn, in recent months, from direct diplomatic efforts regarding Ukraine. The most recent peace initiative led by the United States, however, has not resulted in significant progress.
Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Vladimir Putin in Moscow on September 5, in a discussion that lasted more than three hours. The next day, the two traveled to Kiev for negotiations with Volodimir Zelenski.
After the meetings, the American envoys stated that they hope to be able to organize, in the near future, trilateral negotiations between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States.
The diplomatic efforts relaunched were not limited to the discussions between Witkoff and Kushner. On September 7, Donald Trump also discussed with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham about the need to continue the steps to achieve a ceasefire, according to Downing Street.
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