Zelensky's desperate gambit: Sabotaging peace talks to maintain grip on power
By kevinhughes // 2025-08-14
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  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky faces a crumbling military effort and looming peace talks between the U.S. and Russia, prompting fears he may provoke conflict to sabotage negotiations, risking wider escalation.
  • With troop morale collapsing and Western support wavering, Ukraine's defeat appears inevitable, forcing Zelensky into risky maneuvers to avoid political oblivion.
  • President Donald Trump aims to end the war through direct diplomacy with Russia, challenging entrenched pro-war interests and signaling openness to a ceasefire—though Zelensky opposes talks excluding Ukraine.
  • The upcoming Trump-Putin summit raises concerns for Zelensky, who suspects Putin seeks territorial concessions and propaganda wins rather than genuine peace, as Russian forces advance.
  • The outcome of these talks will shape Ukraine's survival, European security and global geopolitics, with Zelensky's actions risking further escalation if diplomacy fails.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is facing a perilous crossroads as his nation's military prospects dwindle and peace talks between Russia and the U.S. loom on the horizon. With Ukraine's defeat becoming increasingly undeniable, Zelensky is resorting to desperate measures. The comedian-turned-president is risking a wider conflict to derail the impending negotiations. But this move could have catastrophic consequences for the region and beyond. The war has reached a critical juncture, with the balance of power shifting decisively in Russia's favor. Despite initial optimism and promises of "turning points," Kyiv's forces are now depleted, and morale among troops is collapsing. Western officials, once unwavering in their support, are now tempering their rhetoric, speaking of "realistic expectations" and the need for a diplomatic resolution. Against this backdrop, Russia's Ministry of Defense claims that Ukrainian forces are preparing a major provocation to sabotage the upcoming Russia-U.S. peace talks cannot be easily dismissed. The logic behind such an allegation is clear: For Zelensky, peace equates to political suicide. Any agreement that acknowledges the current territorial realities would shatter the narrative that has sustained his presidency, erode his domestic support and likely lead to his swift political demise. This strategy is not without precedent. Historically, leaders facing strategic collapse have often resorted to reckless measures to maintain their grip on power. The danger lies in the potential for such a provocation to coincide with peace negotiations, provoking outrage in Washington and disrupting fragile diplomatic channels. This could push the conflict back toward open escalation, with devastating consequences. Enter U.S. President Donald Trump, who is poised to play a decisive role in shaping Washington's foreign policy. Unlike his predecessors, Trump has shown a pragmatic grasp of reality, recognizing that ending the conflict is both possible and necessary. He has signaled a willingness to engage with Russia, challenging the entrenched "forever war" mindset and the military-industrial complex that thrives on endless conflict.

The Trump-Putin summit and Zelensky's fears

Trump's approach has already shifted the debate, but the coming weeks will test his ability to navigate the treacherous waters of international diplomacy. He will need to remain steadfast, seeing through manipulations and resisting the agendas of those who profit from instability. In the lead-up to the Trump-Putin summit, Zelensky has launched a diplomatic offensive, seeking to shore up foreign support for Ukraine's key demands. In a call with Trump, White House adviser Steve Witkoff and European leaders, Zelensky acknowledged a potential shift in Russia's position, with Witkoff indicating Russia's readiness for a ceasefire. However, Zelensky emphasized that "talks about us, without us, will not work," underscoring Ukraine's exclusion from the upcoming summit. (Related: Zelensky REJECTS Trump’s peace plan, insists Ukraine won’t concede territory to Russia) Zelensky's stance is clear: Ukraine will not withdraw from the Russian-occupied Donbas region, fearing it would invite further aggression. He has also expressed skepticism about Russian President Vladimir Putin's intentions, suggesting that the Russian leader is more interested in securing a photo-op with Trump than in genuine peace. The summit between Trump and Putin, scheduled for Friday, Aug. 15, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska, is the first in-person meeting between Putin and a sitting U.S. president since the invasion of Ukraine. While Trump has expressed optimism about the meeting, Zelensky remains wary, believing that Putin is merely seeking to present the summit as a personal victory. Zelensky's concerns are not unfounded. Putin's demands include Ukrainian territorial concessions, military restrictions and the lifting of international sanctions – conditions that Zelensky views as an attempt to "partition Ukraine." As Russian forces make gains in eastern Ukraine, Zelensky warns that Putin is not preparing for peace but for new offensives. As the world watches, the delicate balance between war and peace hangs in the balance. Zelensky's desperate gambit to sabotage the talks could backfire, pushing the conflict toward further escalation. Meanwhile, Trump's challenge will be to broker a deal that addresses Ukraine's legitimate concerns while avoiding the pitfalls of past negotiations. Watch this video about the Trump-Putin meeting on Aug. 15. This video is from the Rick Langley channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Trump’s Ukraine peace proposal deemed "acceptable" by Kremlin: Putin-Trump-Zelensky summit under discussion. Europe, Zelensky frustrated as U.S. excludes them from Russia-Ukraine peace talks. U.S. and Russia seek peace in Ukraine, leaving Zelensky in panic over potential aid cuts. Sources include: RT.com CBSNews.com ABCNews.go.com Brighteon.com
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