CNN, citing four sources in the US administration, reports that russian dictator vladimir putin intends to drag out the war in Ukraine until the presidential election in late 2024.
putin is hoping that Donald Trump – or perhaps another Republican who will not be as active in helping Ukraine – will win the election. This will make russia's position in potential negotiations stronger.
"putin knows that Trump will help him. So do Ukrainians and our European partners," one CNN source said.
An unnamed European diplomat told CNN that an attempt to wait out the war in Ukraine until after the US elections "is putin's plan."
As a reminder, Donald Trump, despite new criminal charges against him, is the favorite of the Republican Party in the 2024 presidential election.
His party rival, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, visited Ukraine today and said that US aid to Ukraine should remain unchanged.
Background. In late June, US presidential candidate Michael Pence unexpectedly visited Ukraine and met with Zelensky.