Putin to divert global attention from war in Ukraine - ISW
Photo: Vladimir Putin, Russian president (Getty Images)
The proposal to involve Russia in the negotiation process to resolve the conflict in the Middle East is an attempt by the Kremlin to divert global attention from the war in Ukraine, according to a report by the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to portray his country as an effective and necessary partner for the United States in international affairs amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran.
The ISW report recalls the June 14 phone call between Donald Trump and Putin, which reportedly lasted about an hour.
According to Trump, the majority of the conversation focused on the escalation between Iran and Israel, while Ukraine received "much less" attention.
Putin’s aide, Yuri Ushakov, commented that the call was primarily devoted to the Middle East conflict. He said Putin expressed concern over growing tensions in the region and proposed involving Russia in the negotiation process to reach a peaceful settlement.
"Putin is likely attempting to distract from his ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine by offering to help the United States mediate the situation in the Middle East," ISW analysts stated.
Putin-Trump phone call
During the call, Donald Trump reaffirmed his interest in ending the war in Ukraine as soon as possible. He also did not rule out that Putin could act as a mediator in resolving the conflict between Israel and Iran.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the Kremlin has no intention of ending the war and warned that Putin will deceive Trump.
