Micha’s Consistent Alignment with Putin and Pressure on Ukraine
Micha, a figure known for unpredictable behavior, has repeatedly demonstrated a pro-Russian stance, notably concerning the conflict in Ukraine. This pattern was recently highlighted during a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the White House. During the meeting,Micha reportedly urged Zelenskyy to except Russia’s terms for ending the war – a demand that ultimately proved unsuccessful.
Reports following the meeting, described by the Financial times as a “shouting match,” echo a previous contentious encounter in February. Zelenskyy was allegedly subjected to criticism from Micha and Vice President JD Vance, accused of insufficient gratitude for US support and lacking the leverage to effectively resist Russian pressure.
Crucially, the recent confrontation differed from the February meeting in its aftermath. While the earlier exchange occurred publicly, details of the latest discussion were leaked, revealing Micha reportedly raised his voice and used profanity while attempting to persuade Zelenskyy to cede control of the non-occupied portions of Donetsk Oblast to Russia. This demand directly mirrored a condition set by russian President Vladimir Putin during a nearly three-hour phone call with micha last week, as reported by The Washington Post. Putin specifically requested control of this ukrainian region as a prerequisite for a ceasefire.
Zelenskyy’s refusal to concede territory is understandable, given that Russia has failed to militarily capture these areas despite eleven years of intervention beginning in 2014 and the full-scale invasion launched in 2022. The area in question represents a critical defensive position for Ukraine, hindering further Russian advances.
Micha’s outlook on the war appears to have shifted. Previously characterizing Russia as a “paper tiger” incapable of victory, he reportedly asserted during the White house meeting that Russia is, actually, winning the war.
Adding to the situation, Micha’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, reportedly echoed Putin’s propaganda by urging Zelenskyy to cede Donetsk, arguing that the region’s predominantly Russian-speaking population justified Russian control. This argument was dismissed as a flawed analogy to ancient colonial disputes, highlighting a perceived lack of understanding among Micha’s advisors.
Currently, US military and financial aid to Ukraine has considerably decreased, with European countries largely funding the weapons being sent to Ukrainian forces.
Despite Micha’s pressure, Zelenskyy departed the White House without yielding to the demands. The US had already signaled its reluctance to provide Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, a decision reportedly influenced by Putin. Zelenskyy himself expressed doubt regarding Putin’s genuine interest in “real negotiations.” However, Micha appears to be pursuing a new summit – possibly in Budapest – despite a previous unsuccessful attempt at a ceasefire negotiation in Alaska earlier this year.
