Episode
Putin Is Betting on Time—What If Russia Runs Out First?
- Published
- Sep 7, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1705
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Summary
I examine Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner’s Kyiv meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky after the reported three-day “no-shoot” arrangement failed to stop fighting and drone activity around Kyiv Oblast. The visit came as Russia’s war was expected to extend into winter, Moscow escalated attacks on critical infrastructure, and Kyiv stockpiled food and water for blackout contingencies. I also weigh reported preparations for a large missile barrage involving Kh-101, Iskander, KN-23, and Zircon missiles.My central argument is that a business-style “win-win” framework does not fit Putin’s maximalist demands or his belief that time and winter favor Russia. I compare Putin’s repeated unmet deadlines to seize all of Donetsk Oblast with battlefield realities, then examine the Oreshnik-equipped 101st Missile Brigade in Belarus, the new Russia–North Korea Tumen River road bridge, and Ukraine’s stated long-range strike ambitions. The policy test is whether U.S. pressure can alter Putin’s calculus.00:00 Putin and Ukraine’s Competing Winter Bets03:02 Zelensky, Witkoff, and the Question of Force05:45 Why “Win-Win” Diplomacy Falls Short09:47 Putin’s Donetsk Deadlines and Battlefield Reality13:29 Putin’s Maximalism and Ukraine’s Long-Range Strategy21:23 American Credibility and Changing Putin’s Calculus#UkraineRussiaWar #Putin #Zelensky #SteveWitkoff #JaredKushner #KyivFacts over noise. Context over headlines. Truth over talking points. Principle over partisanship.Fundraisers video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMTs6amkGUg and Here is the direct link to the Ukraine Support Bridge: https://ukrainesupportbridge.com/ - Ukrainian Refugee M's Room and Board is covered for this year. It is not for the rest of her time at CSU. I will be pushing on the other fundraisers for now, but if you still wi…