Putin exploits Trump conversation to discredit Ukraine - ISW
Photo: Donald Trump, 47th President of the United States of America and Vladimir Putin of Russia (Getty Images)
Russia's Vladimir Putin used a phone call with Donald Trump to try to portray Ukraine as an illegitimate negotiating partner who is not interested in peace, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports.
According to Yuri Ushakov, Russia's presidential aide for foreign policy, Putin discussed with Trump:
- May 31 train derailment in Russia
- Ukrainian strikes on Russian military air bases on June 1
- Ukrainian-Russian talks in Istanbul on June 2.
Putin complained to Trump that Ukraine was allegedly responsible for the train derailment, but, as Ushakov noted, Moscow did not give in and still took part in the talks in Istanbul despite the provocations.
"Putin's statements to Trump are also likely aimed at distracting from Russia's own disinterest in negotiations and continued preparations for a prolonged war effort so as to avoid possible future US sanctions by painting Ukraine as a bad actor," ISW writes.
Trump and Putin's phone call
Yesterday, June 4, Trump held a phone call with Putin. During the conversation, Putin complained about the Spiderweb operation of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and, according to the White House, threatened to respond. The US President, in turn, claimed that he was unaware of Ukraine's plans.
