A Russian from Trump's team, Epstein, aims to become a special envoy for peace in Ukraine. Here’s what we know about his intentions.
Influential advisor to the U.S. President Boris Epstein has suggested that Donald Trump act as an envoy for resolving the war between Russia and Ukraine. Epstein is gaining increasing influence in the upcoming U.S. administration. His role as the informal "gatekeeper" for the elected president strengthens his position, despite legal issues and a lack of diplomatic experience.
According to The New York Times, Epstein was born in Russia, lived there during his childhood, and reportedly has family in both Russia and Ukraine. Boris Epstein quickly became one of the key figures in the power transition process following the U.S. presidential elections. In the early days of the transition period, he surprised attendees with his proposal to become a special envoy for peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
Sources indicate that Epstein presented this idea to President-elect Trump during a discussion aboard the airplane. He justified his position by stating that he has personal connections with both sides of the conflict, having been born in Russia and lived there in his youth. However, his lack of diplomatic experience and the criminal investigations involving him raised significant surprise among those present.
"But in Mr. Trump's world, the absence of an official title means little for measuring influence," journalists from NYT noted.
Despite the doubts of many advisors, Trump, according to sources, listened with interest to Epstein's proposal, although no final decision has been made yet. This demonstrates the significant influence the advisor has on the president, positioning him alongside Trump's most trusted individuals.
Additionally, Epstein plays a crucial role in shaping Trump's legal team and selecting personnel for his administration. He is also actively promoting radical ideas, such as using private investigators to vet new employees instead of traditional FBI checks.
"An imposing man who wears three-piece suits," is how journalists describe Epstein. They add that he skillfully leverages all opportunities for influence.
Boris Epstein remains a key figure in Trump's team, shaping the future political strategy. His influence, along with his proposals, elicits mixed reactions from both the president's close circle and political experts.
"The United States of Boris" - this is how an anonymous source described the situation with Epstein to NYT journalists.
What else is known about Epstein
In April, the state of Arizona accused 18 of Trump's associates of attempting to disrupt the presidential elections in 2020. In this case, Trump is described as a co-conspirator who has not been charged. Among those who received charges are former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, attorneys Rudy Giuliani and Boris Epstein.
It is worth noting that U.S. Special Prosecutor Jack Smith is negotiating with the leadership of the Department of Justice to halt the prosecutions against Donald Trump. This pertains to criminal cases involving the newly elected U.S. president. In total, there are four such cases, and options are being considered to dismiss two of them.
The New York Times previously described what might happen if Trump were to actually "end up" in prison. Specifically, he could file a lawsuit for release from prison on the grounds that his imprisonment impedes him from fulfilling his constitutional duties as president.