Witkoff praises Putin
President Volodymyr Zelensky told ABC News on Oct 23 that he is "maybe not such a big humanitarian as Putin" after U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff praised the Russian leader. Witkoff called Putin "a humanitarian" following Moscow’s release of an American prisoner on Oct 21. This praise arrived just hours before Russia bombarded Kyiv’s city center with ballistic missiles and cluster munitions, killing two people and injuring dozens of people, including children. I find Witkoff’s admiration for Putin completely ignores the immediate reality of the Russian strikes that killed civilians in Kyiv. "I’m a normal person. I’m just human," Zelensky told ABC News while discussing how the administration’s recent actions are not supportive.
Military needs and policy shifts
Ukraine faces significant military shortages and a shift in U.S. policy. Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine received only 24 air defense missiles from its strategic partners over the last 90 days. He also noted that Starlink is still not working at full speed on the Ukrainian battlefield, even though Trump claimed the service was functional. The Trump administration also moved to facilitate a deal to purchase Russian diesel, issued a new sanctions waiver, and pressured Kyiv to halt attacks on Russian oil refineries. Ukraine has received no explanation for the restrictions to its Starlink speeds or the delays in Patriot shipments. I view these pro-Kremlin policy moves as a direct frustration for Ukraine’s defense efforts.
Abu Dhabi peace talks
Zelensky told ABC News that technical teams from each government will meet in Abu Dhabi this November to resume trilateral peace talks among Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. regarding the ongoing conflict. "We are ready to stop this war as quick as possible," Zelensky said, adding that Ukraine remains prepared to end the war by freezing the current battle lines. Zelensky also told ABC News that each missile is important, especially since Ukraine received no explanation or solution regarding the delays in Patriot shipments. "We are not crying and not screaming, but this is very important," Zelensky said. He added that he is just trying to say that each missile is important.
