Former Spy Chief Budanov, now Zelensky’s number two, reportedly favors a quick peace settlement.

Will Budanov help lead Ukraine to a peace settlement?

While not many people are paying attention, the US-Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations are taking place today and tomorrow in Geneva, Switzerland.

While no one is expecting much of this round of talks, with President Donald J. Trump urging Ukraine to ‘come to the table’, there is a new aspect to the negotiations.

Let’s take a look at what foreign correspondent Oliver Carrol wrote for the Rothschild family’s magazine The Economist (it’s true that they divested last year from the outlet after more than two decades of control).

The Economist reported:

“Since the start of the year, the two sides appeared to be inching closer towards a deal. […] Russia and Ukraine had chosen more pragmatic players to represent them, with Ukraine’s former spy chief Kyrylo Budanov making a particular impression as the de facto new head of the delegation. One source close to the Ukrainian team even rated the chance of a breakthrough as ‘50-50’.”

“Divisions are also emerging within Ukraine’s delegation. One wing, centered on Mr. Budanov, believes Ukraine’s interests are best served by a swift American-led agreement, and fears the window for action may soon close. But another wing, apparently still influenced by the controversial former chief of staff Andriy Yermak, who departed in a corruption scandal, is much less keen. Mr. Zelensky appears to be balancing between them, while also having his own ideas.”

But, maybe, the negotiations are not going so poorly, if the UK felt like sending its delegation to try and derail the talks. 

Read more:

Zelensky Appoints Spy Chief Budanov as Head of Presidential Office, Replacing Corruption Suspect Yermak

The post Ukrainian Negotiators Divided, With Head of Presidential Office Budanov Leading Faction Who Wants a Quick Peace Agreement ‘While There’s Still Time’: REPORT appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.