Kremlin plans to start negotiations with future US president - political analyst

He expressed this opinion on the Espreso TV channel.

"Americans are very clearly aware that Putin is waiting for the results of the US presidential election. Accordingly, the Kremlin is planning to sit down at the negotiating table with the future US president. By that time, I doubt that any outline of a peace agreement will be signed, let alone a peace agreement itself. Because, from Putin's point of view, everything is going great for him at the front. The offensive of the Russian occupation forces continues and he captures new territories. He keeps raising the stakes. That is, the fact that he is promoting his interests, I believe, is evidence that Putin is ready to reach the peak of his aggression against Ukraine precisely at the home stretch of the US presidential election," Shlinchak explained.

The political scientist noted that Putin plans to continue negotiating with the West only on the return to the Warsaw Peace Treaty.

"I think Putin has specific plans for the US presidential election. He probably believes that if Trump becomes president of the United States, it will be easier for him to negotiate the absence of aid to Ukraine. If the Democratic candidate wins, Putin may also invite him to the negotiating table, but it will be about returning to the Warsaw Treaty," he added.

• In February, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russia was allegedly ready for a political and diplomatic end to the war in Ukraine, but "taking into account the realities on the ground."
• In March, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin and Li Hui said at a meeting that a settlement of the war in Ukraine is impossible without taking into account Russian interests.
• And in April, ISW explained why the Kremlin had intensified its statements about negotiations.
• On May 15, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin said that Russia was "open to dialogue on Ukraine," but that the interests of both sides should be taken into account. Instead, Ukraine considers it "bargaining."