Epstein Texts Larry Summers: Zelensky Seeks Help, Putin Calls Him Israeli-Run

These text messages are from a May 6, 2019, conversation (shortly after Volodymyr Zelensky’s election win but before his inauguration) between Jeffrey Epstein and Larry Summers (former U.S. Treasury Secretary and Harvard president), as revealed in recently released Epstein-related documents (around late 2025–2026 from DOJ files).

Key points from the Epstein text exchange:

• Epstein initiates by noting that Ukraine is looking for advice and isn’t sure where to start. He mentions mental strength/discipline as key to “recovery” (likely metaphorical for Ukraine’s post-election or economic situation).
• Summers responds that he is willing to discuss Ukraine, citing his familiarity from attending Victor Pinchuk’s conferences multiple times and helping push Ukraine’s debt relief during Natalie Jaresko’s time as Finance Minister (referring to post-2014 events under the Poroshenko era).
• Epstein follows up, stating that Zelensky (misspelled “zelinsky”) is looking for help, but Putin is dismissive, reportedly saying Zelensky “is run by Israelis” (a claim reflecting alleged Russian views or propaganda at the time).
• They attempt to schedule a call: Summers is jammed with “caretakers” (possibly family or obligations) and suggests late morning; the other party says no rush, tomorrow is best; later follow-ups check on availability to speak.

Why?

The conversation shows Epstein relaying information about Zelensky’s early outreach for assistance/advice amid geopolitical tensions (including Putin’s reported attitude), while Summers offers his expertise based on prior Ukraine involvement via Pinchuk (a prominent Ukrainian oligarch/businessman) and debt restructuring efforts.

This appears to be part of broader Epstein files highlighting his interactions with influential figures on various topics, including international politics. No evidence in the messages indicates direct wrongdoing by Summers related to this exchange—he positions himself as knowledgeable on Ukraine’s economic matters.

Is This Epstein File Real?

Yes, the screenshot depicts a real text message exchange from May 6, 2019, between convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, as confirmed in the Epstein files released by the U.S. Department of Justice on January 31, 2026, under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The conversation revolves around Ukraine seeking post-election advice following Volodymyr Zelensky’s victory, with Epstein noting Zelensky’s outreach for help and relaying an unsubstantiated claim attributed to Vladimir Putin that Zelensky is “run by Israelis,” amid discussions of Summers’ prior involvement in Ukrainian economic matters like debt relief. Multiple reputable sources, including the Kyiv Independent and WION, have reported on these messages, highlighting Epstein’s interest in Ukrainian politics during that period, though the files contain a mix of verified correspondence and unverified rumors.