DISINFO: Ukraine may not resist until negotiations between Putin and Trump
SUMMARY
It is possible that Ukraine does not resist until negotiations between Russian president Vladimir Putin and US president Donald Trump. This scenario is likely due to the unfavourable situation on the frontline for Ukrainian troops. Panic may start soon among Ukrainian ranks.
RESPONSE
By talking about negotiations between Putin and Trump, this disinformation story subtly promotes a recurring pro-Kremlin narrative about Ukraine’s alleged lack of sovereignty as these two leaders would decide on the future of Ukraine without taking the Ukrainian authorities into account.
Ukraine is a sovereign and independent state with a democratically elected president and parliament. US and EU officials have repeatedly stated that it is up to Ukraine only to decide when peace talks with Russia may be possible to end the war.
Another goal of this disinformation story is to promote the idea that all the elements of the situation benefit Russia and its war of aggression in Ukraine, and that its victory is ultimately inevitable. Through this projection, pro-Kremlin disinformation aims to create an impression of strength ahead of likely peace negotiations with Ukraine.
See other examples of similar disinformation narratives, such as claims that negotiations on resolving the conflict should take place between Russia and the US, that Trump wants to end the war in Ukraine on Russia's terms, that Zelenskyy’s desperation grows as Trump’s inauguration gets closer, or that Trump's peace promise in Ukraine clashes with Europe's warmongering politicians.