On November 27, the Public Analytics Center "Vezha" held a discussion with political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko regarding the scandal surrounding leaks from peace negotiations involving the US, Russia, Ukraine, and Europe. The conversation opened with an emphasis on the critical support provided by the United States to Ukraine, especially on Thanksgiving. The experts recognized Donald Trump's role as a driving force in the current negotiation process, though they described his involvement as contentious.
The main subject of the discussion was the so-called "Ushakov tapes"—recordings of conversations that experts say reveal individuals promoting Moscow's position in the US. The scandal currently has a latent effect, with its potential impact tied to further publicity among Republicans or if picked up by the US Senate. The experts highlighted the US intelligence services' technical capabilities and suggested the leak was most likely initiated from the American side.
Particular attention was given to Europe's role in the peace process. The experts noted that European countries are striving to influence the negotiation format and desire a more active presence. However, there are diverging views on ending the war quickly: the Baltics and Poland fear Russian aggression, while segments of the political spectrum in Germany and France support compromise for stability. Europeans are using the scandal to strengthen their negotiating position, but the leak itself is unlikely to have originated with them.
In conclusion, the experts stated that the peace process remains complex, marked by significant political intrigue in the US, Europe, and regarding Russia's role. Future prospects depend on the response of US politicians, especially in the Senate, and Europe's ability to affect the format and content of the negotiations.
