Russia has 'minimum and maximum' goals for Ukraine negotiations — diplomat

Diplomat Roman Bezsmertnyi stated this on Espreso TV.

"In the current situation, it's crucial to grasp one key point. The Kremlin operates with both a minimal and a maximal objective. Their minimal goal is to stall for time. Their maximal goal is to dismantle Ukraine, leveraging Donald Trump and the negotiation process to achieve this. Simultaneously, Moscow is using these negotiations to integrate the business interests of figures like Witkoff, Kushner, and Trump, as well as other involved parties, initiating basic commercial dealings with them. This strategy is already quite evident. We can clearly see how the negotiation process is intertwined with various business arrangements, including sales, acquisitions, and changes in property ownership. This pattern is quite discernible in the unfolding events," Bezsmertnyi clarified.

The diplomat highlighted that the Kremlin successfully introduced specific business arrangements to Donald Trump. Furthermore, he noted that the Russians managed to "influence" certain individuals within Trump's circle who are now advocating for their interests.

"Concurrently, the Kremlin is utilizing Trump to undermine Europe. While the Kremlin has largely failed in other areas, they have succeeded in one aspect: imposing various business schemes on Trump. In this context, it's fair to say they have 'secured the allegiance' of certain individuals who are currently promoting the Kremlin's agenda within Trump's sphere," he further elaborated.

• On Sunday evening, December 28, 2025, American President Donald Trump hosted his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy for 4 hours at the Mar-a-Lago residence (Florida, U.S.).