Kremlin Sees Trump as Manipulable Amid Ukraine Ceasefire Discussions

A recent intelligence report reveals that Moscow perceives former U.S. President Donald Trump as lacking consistent principles, making him vulnerable to manipulation. A European intelligence official, referencing confidential insights, explained this perception to the Washington Post. The report emerges just as Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are anticipated to discuss a potential 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine.

The backdrop for the impending conversation between Trump and Putin involves Thursday's discussions between Putin and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff. According to the Kremlin, Putin displayed alignment with the White House's perspective on establishing a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine. However, Putin warned significant work remains necessary before a tangible ceasefire can be implemented.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reacted firmly to Putin's statements, dismissing them as strategic deception and intentional delay. Zelensky emphasized Putin’s pattern of vague commitments and refusal to explicitly reject ceasefire proposals, suggesting it serves Putin's underlying objective of perpetuating conflict to produce further casualties among Ukrainians.

In his nightly communication, Zelensky accused Putin directly of employing manipulative tactics, stating this ambiguity routinely obstructs meaningful progress toward peace. Trump expressed caution regarding Russia's sincerity, commenting that it would lead to global disappointment if Russia did not commit genuinely to ceasefire efforts.