Putin Uses Peace Talks for a Different Purpose: Portnikov Reveals His Goal

Behind diplomatic talks about ending the war may stand a completely different goal of the Kremlin. Moscow, instead of real preparation for a ceasefire, may use the negotiation process to establish closer contact with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. This view was expressed by journalist Vitaliy Portnikov. What Moscow actually wants To Portnikov, for a real end of the war both sides must want the fighting to stop. Ukraine, which has become a victim of Russian aggression, is interested in stopping the war. At the same time, Moscow’s actions, in his view, indicate the opposite. “It is necessary that the end of the war would also be desired by Russia, which, as you can see, is doing everything possible to keep the war going,” the journalist noted. He stressed that if one party seeks an end to the war and the other is interested in prolonging hostilities, negotiations can become only a sham of the peace process with no practical results. Putin needs Trump Portnikov believes that the Kremlin may view contacts with the United States not so much as a path to stopping the war, but as an opportunity to find a common language with Trump. According to him, the American president is interested in the negotiation process itself, while Putin may try to use this interest for his own ends. “So Trump needs talks, and Putin needs Trump. And if he wonders how to find a common language with the American president, then, in turn, he believes that if Trump needs a peaceful process, he will imitate it,” the journalist explained. Portnikov warned of risks for Ukraine Separately, the journalist cautioned against excessive immersion in discussing possible terms for ending the war. In his view, Ukraine and its Western partners risk gradually accepting a format of negotiations that benefits Moscow precisely. “We are actually playing by Russian rules with you right now. We are falling into the same trap that Putin has so masterfully laid out,” Portnikov summarized. As FACTS reported, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine is ready to cease hostilities and move to a diplomatic settlement to prevent further losses. At the same time, he said, Russia must also agree to an unconditional ceasefire. Zelensky noted that if Russia later decides to resume the war, it will be its own choice, which he called “a bad idea.”