“YOU TOLD US THAT A YEAR AGO” — KUSHNER CHALLENGES PUTIN OVER DONBAS CLAIM
Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly told U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner that Russian forces could capture the remaining parts of Ukraine’s Donbas within several months, according to The New York Times.
During a September 5 meeting in Moscow, Kushner reportedly challenged Putin over the timeline, asking:
«“With all due respect, you told us exactly that a year ago. What are the chances that we come back here in another year and you are again saying the same thing? Maybe we don’t waste a year?”»
The exchange was described to The New York Times by a person familiar with the talks and a U.S. official. It was not taken from a publicly released transcript.
Putin also reportedly warned of potentially severe attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, raising concerns about another difficult winter as negotiations continue.
The Kremlin has repeatedly portrayed the complete capture of Donetsk and the wider Donbas as achievable, while the fighting has continued for years without Russia securing full control of the region.
Kushner’s reported question highlights a key issue in the negotiations: whether Moscow’s latest timeline for achieving its battlefield objectives differs meaningfully from similar promises made in previous years.
These selfish leaders playing with people’s lives.