Summary of Girkin’s Letter

1. On Zelensky’s Legitimacy & Trump’s Role

While Russian officials may question Volodymyr Zelensky’s legitimacy, Girkin argues that, in reality, Zelensky is widely recognized internationally—even by Donald Trump. Girkin asserts that Trump has become the “moderator” of the peace process, and that Putin has effectively handed over the mediator role to him.

2. A Peace Process Destined to Fail

Girkin sees the entire process as stillborn, destined for failure. It serves more as a stalling tactic than a genuine negotiation—stalling that may actually benefit Russia in the short term by delaying new sanctions and weakening U.S. resolve or aid to Ukraine.

3. Territorial Swaps Are Non-Starters

He dismisses proposed territorial exchanges—whether it's Zaporizhzhia and Kherson for Donbas (“Witkoff” option) or small strips of Kharkiv and Sumy oblasts for Donbas (“Vladimir Vladimirovich” option)—as unappealing to both sides:

The U.S. would benefit most.

Ukraine holds valuable populated areas; Russia, only war-ravaged borderlands. Girkin concludes neither side will concede or recognize defeat, so no agreement will materialize.


4. U.S. Will Wash Its Hands & Europe Steps In

Girkin anticipates that Trump will eventually declare one—or both—parties incapable of negotiation and pass the diplomatic baton to Europe. That allows the U.S. to continue arming Ukraine and avoid direct responsibility, positioning itself advantageously in the background.