Headline:
Clash of Titans: U.S., Russia Vie for Control in Ukraine
Subhead:
Analyst warns of plot to sideline Zelensky in peace talks
Byline:
Yana Porochnya, LIGA.net News Editor
Article:
Ukraine finds itself at the center of a geopolitical tug-of-war as the new U.S. administration and the old guard in Moscow exert pressure to have their way with the country’s future, according to political analyst Vitaliy Portnikov.
In an interview with LIGA.net, Portnikov asserted that Russian President Vladimir Putin is not interested in signing any agreements with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, while U.S. President Donald Trump has a vested interest in replacing Zelensky with a more pliable leader.
"Trump wants to pin the blame for his ‘inability’ to reach a significant deal with Putin on Zelensky, effectively painting him as ‘undialogueable’," Portnikov said. "Any agreements reached would be aimed at ceasefire, elections, and the installation of a new president—anyone but Zelensky."
Portnikov did not rule out the possibility of a peace deal being brokered without Ukraine’s involvement, with the parameters decided during the inter-election period. In this scenario, Zelensky could choose to step down to secure his legacy as a "savior and protector."
Surrounding Zelensky, Portnikov warned, is a group of Ukrainian politicians who might be tempted to ‘ride out’ his term, pin responsibility on an unknown successor, and wait for a clearer post-war landscape.
"This potential scenario is fraught with danger," Portnikov cautioned. "Both the new U.S. administration and the old Russian administration are seeking ways to impose their political will on the government that will emerge in Kyiv as a result of the conflict’s stalemate."
Follow LIGA.net for verified news. You can now receive updates on WhatsApp.
Figures and Captions:
Vitaliy Portnikov (Photo: Screenshot)
