Epstein’s Unrequited Admiration for Putin: A Desire to Meet Remains

Recent investigations into Jeffrey Epstein’s emails reveal a compelling interest in meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin. Epstein’s name appears over 1,000 times in newly released documents, indicating his persistent attempts to court the Kremlin leader.

Epstein’s Attempts to Meet Putin

Despite the absence of any evidence suggesting that Epstein and Putin ever met, the emails illustrate Epstein’s fervent desire for a meeting. Key moments include an audio recording where Epstein coaches a contact on how to approach Putin.

Highlights from Epstein’s Emails

• First Mention: The first significant reference to Putin appears in September 2011, when Epstein claimed to have arranged a meeting with him. However, there’s no indication that this actually occurred.
• Norwegian Prime Minister Involvement: Epstein sought assistance from Thorbjorn Jagland, the former Prime Minister of Norway, to facilitate a meeting with Putin from 2013 onwards.
• Email Engagements: In May 2013, Epstein emailed Jagland, indicating Putin’s desire for Western investment, and offered to discuss a potential solution for economic cooperation.
• Persistent Follow-ups: Epstein continued to express interest in meeting Putin through 2014, even after notable international incidents, such as the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17.
• Final Attempts: In 2018, Epstein reiterated his interest with a simple line in an email: “Would love to meet with putin [sic].”

Implications of Epstein’s Interest

While Epstein’s attempts to engage with Putin lacked success, they highlight his unyielding ambition. Notably, the Kremlin has publicly stated that it did not receive any requests from Epstein regarding a meeting.

Media Coverage and Responses

The story has garnered limited attention in Russian media, which has opted to focus on other figures involved with Epstein, such as Bill Clinton and various European leaders. This selective coverage suggests a desire to distance President Putin from Epstein’s controversial legacy.

In summary, Jeffrey Epstein’s unreciprocated admiration for Vladimir Putin underscores a complex web of aspirations and missed opportunities, with no substantial impact on international relations. The fascination remains, even without any documented interaction between the two high-profile figures.