PutinWon’t Negotiate Regardless of US Election Outcome Media Says

Putin Won’t Negotiate Regardless of US Election Outcome, US Media Claims

Despite widespread belief that the upcoming US election will significantly impact the outcome of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, CNN reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not engage in negotiations regardless of who wins.

According to experts and think tanks cited by CNN, Russiacurrently holds an advantage in manpower and weaponry, sufficient to sustain its offensive. Experts also point out that a reduction in US aid to Ukraine would significantly hinder Ukrainian military operations.

Regardless of whether Donald Trump or Kamala Harris wins, Russia will exploit divisions between the US and its allies to influence the battlefield.

During the BRICS summit, Putin’s social media posts displayed a hawkish stance towards the USelection. Last week in Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, responding to questions about Russia’s willingness to negotiate, told reporters that the prospect of negotiations depends on the US election.

CNN notes that if Kamala Harris wins, sheis expected to largely continue the policies of the Biden administration, which have consistently supported Ukraine. However, Trump has taken a starkly different stance, suggesting he would end support for Kyiv’s war efforts and claiming he could resolve the conflict in one day. CNN also accuses Trump’s running mate, Vance, ofaligning with Putin on calls for a ceasefire.

Thomas Graham, a Russia foreign policy expert and distinguished fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, told CNN that Putin will seek to exploit what he perceives as dysfunctionality in American politics and cracks in Western unity, regardless of who wins theelection.

While Graham believes that even if Trump returns to power, a swift end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict is unlikely, he acknowledges that Trump believes he can influence the situation. Trump thinks he can do something, he thinks he has some leverage, but that’s not clear at this point. But Idon’t think it will be a quick process, Graham stated.

Graham highlighted that the internal divisions within the West that Putin can exploit extend beyond potential cuts in US aid to Ukraine. He cited the US’s divided Congress, the financial pressure faced by European allies, and divisions within NATO, such as theopposition from pro-Russian leaders in member states like Hungary and Slovakia.

The lack of unity among Western countries, and the lack of agreement between the West and Ukraine on the vision of victory, gives Putin no reason to reconsider his position on Ukraine at this time, Graham concluded.

Experts emphasize that the conflict istoo vast for simple negotiations between the Ukrainian and Russian governments. Some Western scholars view it as a broader conflict between Russia and the West.

John Lough, deputy research director for the Russia and Eurasia program at the Chatham House think tank in London, stated that for Putin, Ukraine is just a part of a broaderstruggle with the West.

This article highlights the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding the Russia-Ukraine conflict and suggests that the US election outcome may have less impact on Putin’s actions than many believe.

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