Our source in the President's office reports that Andrei Yermak, OP head, proposed Donald Trump administration two formats of peace talks that should influence the US strategy in relations with Russia. The purpose of these proposals, according to insiders, was to avoid secret agreements between Washington and the Kremlin, which could jeopardize Ukraine's sovereignty.
Two negotiation formats:
- Extended format is the participation of leaders of the United States, Ukraine, Russia and representatives of the EU countries. This format should create a platform for maximum transparency and inclusion of European countries that support Ukraine in the decision -making process.
- The Tripartite Summit is negotiations between the US, Ukraine and Russia. This option was designed as a compromise in case the Kremlin has giving up a wider format.
According to the source, Yermak understood that the Kremlin could not fundamentally take an extended format due to fears of loss of maneuver for behind -the -scenes arrangements. That is why the second option was offered - a tripartite summit.
However, the main task for the OP was to disrupt the possibility of direct negotiations between Trump and Putin without the participation of Ukraine. The fears have caused the likelihood that such closed arrangements may lead to the separation of Ukraine or other threatening decisions that will be classified from the public.
Moscow has traditionally sought to exclude European countries from the negotiation process, focusing on direct dialogues from the United States. The Trump administration, in turn, has repeatedly demonstrated the desire to "negotiate" with the Kremlin against the background of exacerbation of international conflicts.
Direct arrangements between Washington and Moscow without the participation of Kiev could jeopardize Ukraine's independence and lead to decision -making that would not meet its national interests. Therefore, Ermak's initiative was aimed at keeping Ukraine "in the game" and not allowing the Kremlin to manipulate negotiations.
