Boris Epstein, Russian from Trump’s team, offered him to become special representative for peace talks in Ukraine - NYT
One of the advisers to US President-elect Donald Trump, Boris Epstein, who is a native of Russia, has offered his candidacy for the post of special representative for the settlement of the Russian-Ukrainian war.
This is reported by the New York Times, citing sources familiar with the situation, Censor.NET reports.
According to the interlocutors of the publication, Epstein put forward his candidacy when Trump was flying to Washington to meet with the current US President Joe Biden on Wednesday, November 13.
"Trump listened with obvious interest and did not reject the offer, even though he did not agree to it," the NYT writes.
Journalists write that Epstein's candidacy surprised Trump's inner circle.
Epstein, who was born in Russia and lived there as a child, has no foreign policy experience. The Trump adviser himself has stated that he allegedly has family in both Russia and Ukraine.
According to the publication, in addition to his lack of diplomatic experience, Epstein is currently under indictment in Arizona along with several other Trump allies for their efforts to disrupt the 2020 election.
Epstein's influence on Trump
NYT journalists write that Trump has already given Epstein extraordinary powers and demonstrated a willingness to listen to his advice more than to that of others. This surprised even billionaire Elon Musk, who participated in many of the transition meetings last week. Musk privately noted how surprised he was that Mr. Epstein had been given so much power, the journalists said.
The newspaper adds that there are people in Trump's inner circle who are not happy with Epstein, but there is no one who doubts the level of his influence.
"He quickly became one of the most influential figures in the early days of the presidential transition, despite the fact that he had no formal role in it. He has become a significant defender of Trump, in particular by forming part of the information he receives about the staff and cabinet selection," the publication writes.
Earlier it was reported that Trump may "soon" appoint a peace envoy for Ukraine to negotiate an end to the Russian-Ukrainian war.
