Former Russian Diplomat: Putin Will Avoid Meeting Trump Unless He Gets What He Wants

Putin's Stance on Meeting Trump

• 💡 Former Russian Diplomat Boris Bondarev believes Putin will find excuses not to meet Trump unless he is assured of getting concessions.
• 🎯 The Kremlin is likely to delay or cancel a meeting, citing the need for more thorough preparation for the summit.
• 🎯 Putin's stated desire to meet Trump is contingent on Trump being "ripe," meaning ready to give Moscow what it wants.

Russia's Ukraine Strategy

• 🇷🇺 Bondarev asserts that Putin is not serious about a ceasefire in Ukraine because his armies are advancing and the West is perceived as weakening.
• 📈 Russia's production of drones is growing, while Ukraine is weakening, making Putin inclined to continue advancing.
• ⚠️ He suggests Putin will only stop advancing if stopped by force, not by diplomatic appeals.

Potential Concessions for a Ceasefire

• 🤝 If a meeting with Trump occurs, Putin will likely demand concessions such as Ukraine, a sphere of influence, and the lifting of sanctions.
• 💰 A ceasefire would only be agreed upon if Russia is offered Ukraine, the disarmament of Ukrainian troops, and the lifting of all sanctions.
• 🌍 This would involve a new world order where Russia can act freely in its sphere of influence, including Eastern Europe.

Trump's Approach to Russia

• 🤔 Bondarev questions the seriousness of Putin's desire for a ceasefire, suggesting it's a mix of misunderstanding and wishful thinking.
• 🚫 He notes that Trump has not imposed new, tougher sanctions on Russia, indicating a reluctance to escalate tensions.
• 📢 The sending of Steve Witkoff, described as someone who translates Putin's propaganda, signals Trump's continued search for friendship with Putin.
• 📈 Russia is likely not concerned about tougher sanctions from Trump, given his past actions.