‘Republicans Realized It Is Impossible to Deal With Putin’ – Trump’s Spiritual Adviser

Ukraine’s resistance to Russian aggression and Russia’s systematic violations of ceasefires with attacks make it “obvious” to US conservatives that it is difficult to negotiate substantively with Russia, according to Mark Burns, US President Donald Trump’s spiritual adviser.

Speaking to Kyiv Post at the Black Sea Security Forum in Odesa on Friday, Burns said Moscow “did not honor” Trump’s call for peace.

“The resilience of the Ukrainian people is a very much powerful. Even in the midst of drones. I think the seriousness is heightened up around the world, I can tell you… particularly amongst the Republican parties and Democratic Party in America,” Burns said. “But more so the Republican Party.”

Burns referenced Russia’s recent barrage on Kyiv and the surrounding region with over 600 drones, in addition to the Oreshnik ballistic missile that is “capable of carrying nuclear weapons.”

“They’re sending a strong message, even though President Trump brokered a ceasefire, Russia did not honor it,” he continued, referring to the US-brokered ceasefire between May 9-11 preceding the barrage.

“It is very clear to the Republican Party… to the conservatives in America of the MAGA movement… and Democrats… that Vladimir Putin is someone you cannot do business with,” he continued.

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Speaking on his attendance at the Black Sea Security Forum, Burns said he is there to “let the world know that terrorism is not just in Tehran, it is also in Moscow.”

“And if we’re gonna fight the face of terror, we gotta also face it not just in Iran, but also in Moscow,” Burns told Kyiv Post.

Asked by Kyiv Post if that message is going through, Burns said “absolutely, 100 percent.”

Burns added that he spoke “directly” to Trump about Russia’s war in Ukraine, with the US president telling him that the parties are “close to a deal” to end hostilities.

“I spoke directly with President Trump about this, and he said we’re very close to a deal. We’re very, very close to a deal,” he added.

“But we gotta stop the killing, so that we can make sure that diplomatic conversations are being held not at gunpoint.”

In recent weeks, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged that US-led peace talks on Ukraine have effectively stalled, citing a lack of progress, later adding that Washington is ready to mediate if “opportunities emerge.”