Viktor Medvedchuk, a Ukrainian figure, and head of the “Other Ukraine movement”, was given a platform in Russian state media, TASS, to defend Putin's interests in Ukraine amid US-Russian peace talks.
Details. Medvedchuk gave an interview to TASS in which he claimed that Trump doesn't fully understand the necessary preconditions for peace in Ukraine, such as security guarantees, which would only be possible with the "denazification" of Ukraine.
► He goes on to explain that Trump wants to get as much as possible out of Ukraine whilst he can, cutting his losses as the country becomes an unprofitable investment and instead should focus on tackling the US trade deficit.
► He claims that the fact that Putin will not compromise on Russian interests could get in the way of Trump's plans.
Context. Medvedchuk is a former Ukrainian lawyer and business oligarch with close ties to Putin, who has represented Russian interests in Ukraine and was a co-leader of the opposition party “For Life” before its activities were banned.
► As a result of the ban, Medvedchuk was placed under house arrest after the Russian so-called “special military operation”. After attempting to escape, he was apprehended and arrested. On 21 September 2022, he was exchanged for the release of Ukrainian prisoners held in Russia.
► Earlier this month, there was a proposal for Ukraine to give the US $500 billion worth of its natural resources in exchange for continued military support. But this deal ultimately failed, with Zelenskyy saying that in his view the US was "not ready to protect us, our interests".
► Trump has since called Zelenskyy a "dictator" and said Ukraine should act quickly or "they won't have a country left" [8].
Important to know. Zelenskyy's relationship with Trump has deteriorated as America attempts to reach a peace deal with minimal Ukrainian consultation. Trump is trying to get the best possible deal for American capital.
► With Zelenskyy refusing the mineral deal, his interests may not align with Trump's plans for the region, the American president has begun to say that Ukraine should hold elections.
► In this political climate, Russian state media has begun promoting Medvedchuk as a possible replacement for Zelenskyy in preparation for a possible peace deal being discussed between the Kremlin and Washington.
► The sudden change in the US position on Ukraine shows how alliances under capitalism are made purely out of economic interests, hidden under a veil of ideology and principle. It also means that whatever amity there may be between Russia and America at the moment, it is purely out of imperialist self-interest and subject to change in the future as the imperialist blocs compete fiercely for the redivision of the world.
Conclusion. Ultimately, none of the parties involved are really interested in the well-being of the Ukrainian people. Russia hopes to consolidate its gains in Ukraine through negotiations with Trump and to regain political control of the nation through Medvedchuk or any other suitable pro-Russian figure. The only way for the Ukrainian people to truly defend their own interests is to free themselves from capitalist interests through the establishment of socialism.