Russia has tapped Vladimir Medinsky, a historian who justified its invasion of Ukraine, as its top negotiator in peace talks, a choice raising eyebrows as Moscow pushes for a ceasefire amid its largest drone assault yet. As Ukraine fights to hold ground, Medinsky’s role signals Russia’s intent to frame negotiations on its terms, leaving Kyiv and its allies wary of a deal that could cement Moscow’s gains.

Medinsky, a former culture minister, leads talks following Russia’s 194-drone and 67-missile attack on June 5, which targeted Ukrainian cities and power grids. Known for calling the war a “civilizational defense,” he argues Ukraine’s identity is Russian, a view critics call propaganda. “Peace requires mutual respect,” he said in Kyiv, but Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed him as “Putin’s mouthpiece.” With Trump pushing a quick end to U.S. aid, Russia’s 500,000-troop buildup and North Korean drone supplies give Medinsky leverage, per Estonian intelligence.

The talks, hosted in Istanbul, follow Trump’s March 2025 aid freeze, which left Ukraine reliant on Europe’s $150 billion pledge. Russia’s advance in Kursk and 30% territorial control strengthen its hand, but Ukraine’s 900,000 troops resist fiercely. Medinsky’s appointment, replacing a military figure, suggests a PR push to soften Russia’s image. Critics note his 2022 claim that Ukraine’s statehood is “artificial” aligns with Putin’s goals, raising fears of a coerced settlement.

Lviv’s Olena Koval said, “He calls our home a lie—how can we trust him?” Warsaw retiree Jan Kowalski fears, “Russia’s playing for time.” Small EU defense firms, like a Latvian drone maker, see orders soar but face 10% tariff costs. Analyst Ivan Petrov questioned Medinsky’s credibility: “He’s a storyteller, not a diplomat—Russia wants a win, not peace.” A June 2025 poll shows 80% of Ukrainians reject any deal ceding land.

A Russia-favored ceasefire could displace 5 million more Ukrainians, per UNHCR, and cost Europe $200 billion in aid. Small economies like Moldova’s risk collapse under refugee strains. Critics argue Medinsky’s narrative ignores Ukraine’s sovereignty, echoing Soviet-era revisionism. A fair deal could save $1 trillion in war costs, but Ukraine’s lithium reserves tempt Russian control.

Talks resume in July, but Trump’s Putin summit looms. Europe’s air defense pledges may bolster Ukraine, but funding lags. “Medinsky’s a pawn in Putin’s game,” Petrov said. For now, Ukraine fights on, skeptical of a historian tasked with rewriting its future.