Trump may appoint Russian-born lawyer Epstein as special envoy on Ukraine

The President-elect of the United States may "give" the post of special envoy for Ukraine to the lawyer of Russian origin Boris Epstein. This was reported by The New York Times citing sources, the UNN reports.

The publication notes that counselor Boris Epstein, who has coordinated legal defense in Trump's criminal cases, himself suggested that the president-elect become a special envoy on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Epstein, who was born in Russia and lived there as a child, has no experience in foreign policy. He told the group that he has relatives on both sides of the conflict.

According to people briefed on the matter, several people on the plane (on which Trump flew to meet with Biden at the White House - ed.) seemed shocked at the idea of appointing Epstein to a sensitive diplomatic post. In addition to his lack of diplomatic experience, he is currently under indictment in Arizona along with several other Trump allies for their efforts to undo the 2020 election with so-called fake electors. 

According to media reports, Trump listened with obvious interest and did not reject the offer, although he did not commit to it.

"Whatever comes out of Epstein's idea, Trump has already given his adviser extraordinary power and demonstrated a willingness to listen to his advice more than that of others. Even the world's richest man, Ilon Musk, who attended a slew of transition meetings last week, privately remarked how surprised he was that Epstein had been given so much authority," the publication wrote.

The media outlet also notes that Epstein declined to comment, and Trump's spokesperson did not respond to an email seeking comment.

Add

Epstein was born in 1982 in Moscow. In 1993, his family immigrated to the United States. During Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, Epstein was a senior adviser to the campaign. Afterward, Epstein became a special assistant in the Trump administration.