Will Next Round of Trilateral Talks Bring Peace? Moscow Ensures There’ll be only More Meetings but No Peace

The world is looking at the upcoming three-way negotiations to end Russia’s war against Ukraine with bated breath. After 1,718 days of the latest iteration of Moscow’s aggression against Ukraine the free world is rightly tired but naively hopeful. Moscow doesn’t want to end the war, it wants to re-subjugate Ukraine and rebuild its empire.

Nonetheless, the United States, Ukraine and Russia will attend Moscow’s meaningless diplomatic ouroboros of bad faith—recycling the exact same maximalist demands, dragging out the negotiations to buy time, and then pointing to the lack of progress as a pretext to launch another round of attacks.

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are representing the American mediation team, even though in the wake of the midterm elections last week some have called for their resignation. The Ukrainian delegation is led by Rustem Umerov alongside intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov, while Russian diplomatic and military envoys are representing Moscow.  

The talks again will center on parameters for a potential settlement—including territorial security questions, post-war security guarantees, and mechanisms for ending active hostilities. Russia’s demands have been clear since before this war began — return Ukraine to Moscow’s concentration camp.

Ukraine’s position has also been declared: Kyiv will continue to decide its fate, Kyiv will not surrender an inch of Ukrainian territory, Ukraine will decide whether or not it will accede to NATO. The final point is also of paramount importance for Ukraine: security guarantees. Knowing Russia’s never ending desire to subjugate Ukraine, third party security guarantees are essential bulwark against future Russian invasions.

Following preliminary US-European consultations in Brussels, European nations pressed Washington to ensure European security concerns are integrated into any broader peace framework.

French diplomatic statements confirmed that European representatives will participate alongside or on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi format to ensure continental security guarantees are upheld.  

Moscow has publicly signaled caution regarding initial US ceasefire proposals, stating through Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov that Russia cannot accept the proposed models “as is.”

American mediators continue attempting to bridge the distance on post-war security guarantees and regional control before the end of the year.

Moscow is largely sticking to its core maximalist posture, though the specific structural dynamics of the mediation framework have shifted.

Rather than offering genuine concessions, the Russian side is recycling foundational demands while attempting to maneuver around the new US proposal.

Washington is under immense pressure to force a rapid breakthrough, driven by an egotistical desire to resolve the conflict before key domestic and international deadlines.

The "scare" is not physical, but strategic and political. American mediators are operating with extreme urgency, aiming to bridge the immense gap between the two sides and secure a deal, potentially by the end of the year. This rush is fueled by political timelines and the immense cost of ongoing support.

In their eagerness for a resolution, American mediators are proposing frameworks that Ukrainian and European allies fear are premature or under-guaranteed. The US "scare" is that if they fail to force a deal now, the entire situation could collapse, creating a wider security crisis that will be even harder to manage. It will also undermine President Trump’s promise to bring an end to the war regardless of the conclusion.

This powerful visual and metaphorical assessment cuts through the diplomatic phrasing to show the true stakes: a Russia that views "negotiation" as a tool for conquest, a Ukraine that correctly identifies this trap, and an America whose rush for a resolution risks validating the predator's strategy.

Moscow's intention is to create facts on the ground while simultaneously standardizing its maximalist demands as the starting point for talks.

Russia pair's its core territorial demands—for the full Donbas, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions—with constant escalations of aerial bombardments of civilian homes. This also includes continuous strikes on energy infrastructure and military advancements, designed to physically weaken Ukraine and reduce its future leverage.

By insisting on the exact same terms—including Ukrainian "neutrality" and "demilitarization"—Moscow is not looking for a genuine compromise, but rather a surrender that validates its territorial captures and allows it to reload for the future. This endless cycle, where negotiation is merely a tactical pause to gather strength for the next attack, is the essence of the ouroboros metaphor.

The Ukrainian delegation is approaching the talks with profound skepticism, refusing to accept any framework that compromises its long-term security.

A primary concern is that a ceasefire without immediate, binding security guarantees—especially in a transitional security environment—would simply hand Russia a strategic victory. Kyiv fears any pause will be used by Moscow to rebuild its depleted forces, creating an even more dangerous invasion later.

The Ukrainian position is to ensure that any "freeze" in hostilities does not create a permanent security vacuum, which is why they are pressing hard for substantial, specific commitments from Western allies. They are guardedly watching to see if any real guarantees materialize from the US or European proposals.

In the meantime, Russia continues bombing, killing and destroying.

Russian cutthroats conducted a wave of drone and missile strikes on November 8, targeting critical infrastructure and civilian areas across multiple regions of Ukraine.  

Overnight strikes hit the Dnipropetrovsk, Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, and Sumy regions.

A barrage of long-range drones and missiles targeted power grid facilities in Dnipropetrovsk, leaving over 600,000 residents temporarily without electricity as the frigid temperatures settle in.

Heavy strikes near Enerhodar caused a power loss to external safety and cooling systems at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, forcing it to rely on backup power. 

At least 7 civilian fatalities and several dozen injuries were confirmed nationwide.  

Shelling targeted port and logistics infrastructure, destroying a large food warehouse in Odesa and killing at least 1 person.  

Dnipropetrovsk & Zaporizhzhia: Strikes inflicted heavy damage on transmission lines, substations, and residential structures. Local rescue operations remain underway to clear rubble from hit civilian sites.  

It seems as if Ukraine knows its mission, Russia is fighting for its form of peace without honor for Ukraine while Washington is muddling on with no intention of standing with Ukraine.

Russia Continues to Target Ukraine’s Energy Plants as Frigid Temps Arrive

Russian cutthroats launched on November 7 a widespread barrage of 36 ballistic missiles and 172 drones across Kyiv and 12 other regions in Ukraine, wounding at least nine people (including a child).  

With frigid temperatures already crossing into Ukraine necessitating home warmth, the intensified attacks on large and small boilers are meant to subdue the Ukrainian nation ahead of so-called peace talks next week.

The strikes damaged residential apartment buildings, a kindergarten, and key energy and municipal infrastructure in Kyiv—including targeted hits on the impressive Northern Bridge and local power grid elements.  

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the escalation coincided directly with preparations for upcoming trilateral talks involving Ukraine, Russia, and the United States, scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi (UAE).  

Zelenskyy criticized the timing of the barrage, accusing Moscow of using military force to shape its posture ahead of the US-brokered negotiations aimed at addressing unresolved territorial and security issues.  

During a widespread aerial barrage, Russian forces caused significant damage to residential areas, a kindergarten, and critical power and municipal infrastructure such as Kyiv's Northern Bridge. The escalation coincided directly with preparations for upcoming trilateral peace negotiations between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States scheduled in Abu Dhabi, UAE, drawing strong criticism from Zelenskyy, who accused Moscow of using military pressure to influence the diplomatic talks.

Russia has launched a massive, concentrated wave of drone and ballistic missile attacks targeting Ukraine's critical energy infrastructure. Overnight into Saturday, November 7, the bombardment severely battered the country's electricity transmission networks, triggering widespread emergency blackouts, heating, and water supply disruptions just as winter temperatures dip toward freezing. 

Regions Plunged into Darkness: A "massive attack on a number of energy facilities" knocked out electricity transmission lines across five major regions: Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Dnipropetrovsk. 

Nuclear Network Damaged: Ukraine's Energy Ministry confirmed the strikes directly damaged the high-voltage transmission networks that carry electricity from the Rivne and Khmelnytskyi nuclear power plants into Kyiv and the central regions. 

Naftogaz Targeted: In central Ukraine, Russian forces carried out three consecutive strikes on an oil and gas facility belonging to the state energy giant Naftogaz, igniting a major industrial fire. 

Kyiv Rendered Vulnerable: Mayor Vitali Klitschko described the capital's energy supply as “extremely difficult.”The strikes damaged residential zones, a kindergarten, and the vital North Bridge over the Dnipro River, leaving sections of the city of millions without stable power, heating, or water. 

The intensity of the strikes follows a series of multi-day air campaigns designed to paralyze Ukraine's thermal and transmission capacities. Observers and Ukrainian officials state that Russia is weaponizing the winter cold and deliberately violating previous local truce efforts to force concessions before negotiators sit down with US envoys next week. 

In response, Ukraine has executed long-range retaliatory drone strikes hitting military-industrial enterprises and oil infrastructure inside Russian territory, including the Proton-Electrotex plant in Oryol and the Saratov Oil Refinery. 

As for weaponizing the climate, Russia is skilled at committing that inhuman crime. In 1931-32, Moscow used food, or rather the absence of it, to starve to death at least 7 million Ukrainian men, women and children.

US General Believes Trump has been Bought by Moscow

While it’s been discussed for years in Eastern Europe, at least since the 1980s, the topic has not been broached by American mainstream media, pundits and experts. Is President Donald J. Trump an asset of Russia? His moniker is “Krasnoy” — red, red head, copper head, etc.

Many Americans have not heard of this until now.

Former US Army Europe commander claims Putin is pressuring Trump.  “I think he’s been bought,” retired US General Ben Hodges said on the German political talk show Maybrit Illner.

“I can’t prove it, but it’s absolutely clear that President Trump is under some kind of pressure from Vladimir Putin. I think he’s been bought,” Hodges said.

Hodges observed Trump now has two options: admit that he is beholden to Putin or try to escape accountability by counting on protection from his successor.

“We’ve never had a perfect president. But having a president who is not only corrupt himself, but also allows others to be corrupt, is an incredible disgrace,” Hodges concluded.

Trump Brags about Nonexistent Deal to End Russian War against Ukraine 

President Donald J. Trump claimed earlier this month that an agreement to end the war in Ukraine was close and could expand into a “big, beautiful agreement” encompassing “all of Europe.”

However, Trump is continuing to brag about lies and falsehoods.  Key international stakeholders—including Ukrainian leadership and European allies—do not appear to be part of any agreed-upon framework, and reaction from officials shows skepticism rather than alignment.  

Following a White House meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s special envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that negotiations were progressing rapidly:

“It’s going to be an agreement. It’s going to be a big agreement, and it’s going to involve more than Ukraine... I could even say it might involve all of Europe. It’s going to be a big, beautiful agreement, and everyone’s going to be thrilled."

Despite these sweeping declarations, Trump, as always, offered no specifics regarding the terms, timelines, enforcement mechanisms, or underlying concessions.  

Do Others Know About or Agree to This?

Ukraine — No Direct Meeting: While Ukrainian representatives were present at the White House for a separate event organized by First Lady Melania Trump regarding a localized humanitarian truce in Oleshky, Trump confirmed he did not meet with the Ukrainian delegation prior to making his comments.  

Lack of Endorsement: Ukrainian leadership, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has repeatedly emphasized that any lasting deal must respect Ukrainian sovereignty and borders. Ukrainian officials have consistently expressed concern over unilateral U.S.–Russia talks taking place without Kyiv’s full involvement or consent. As Ukraine’s leaders have stipulated: “Nothing about Ukraine, without Ukraine.”

European Allies and NATO Blindsided by Declarations: European governments have consistently reacted with caution and dismay to unilateral announcements regarding broader European security arrangements. Leaders across Europe have emphasized that security decisions governing the continent cannot be negotiated over the heads of European nations or outside established NATO frameworks.  European leaders have closed ranks to reiterate their independent military and financial commitments to Kyiv, expressing skepticism over whether Moscow has fundamentally altered its strategic goals.

Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev noted that Putin appreciated US negotiation efforts, particularly surrounding humanitarian truces and prisoner exchanges. However, the Kremlin has maintained its core geopolitical objectives, giving no public indication of accepting a comprehensive deal that compromises its stated interests. Russia’s demands would turn independent Ukraine into an enslaved Russian colony.

Trump’s assertion reflects his unilateral vision for a high-level diplomatic resolution in his mind only, but there is no public evidence that Ukraine or European nations have negotiated, seen, or agreed to any such comprehensive deal.

Death Toll from Russia’s Strike on Aid Center Reaches 53

Russia’s horrific strike on the school in Komyshuvakha (Zaporizhzhia Oblast) from Monday, November 2, has seen the death toll continue to climb dramatically as rescue teams clear the heavy concrete rubble.  

The verified death toll officially reached 53 and as of this morning, November 6.

Emergency services are still searching for 30-50 victims.

The strike hit a school site being used as a local distribution point for civilian humanitarian aid. Russian forces targeted it using heavy guided aerial bombs (KABs/FABs), followed by double-tap strikes while survivors and first responders were attempting rescue operations. 

Russia is not willing to stop the bloodshed. Killing innocent civilians is its goal so all Ukrainians become disillusioned and willing to accept Russian subjugation. 

Russia’s Numerous MidDay Strikes Take Out Ukraine’s Essential Energy Services

Russian cutthroats deployed a concentrated campaign utilizing more than 1,400 long-range strike drones (primarily Shahed-type UAVs along with decoy and reconnaissance drones) in multi-wave attacks aimed directly at Ukraine’s energy network.  

The bombardment specifically hit critical electrical substations, generation facilities, and regional energy distribution hubs in central and western regions ahead of winter, according to local officials.

Ukrenergo (Ukraine's national grid operator) was forced to expand scheduled emergency blackouts across major cities like Kyiv and Dnipro to manage capacity deficits and protect system stability from cascading failures.  

Russia has weaponized regular human needs ahead of the onset of freezing winter weather by launching mass swarm attacks aimed at overwhelming Ukrainian air defense interceptors. By utilizing lower-cost strike UAVs to saturate defenses alongside precision ballistic and cruise missiles, the primary objective remains degrading thermal and electrical output to cause widespread heating and power disruptions during the coldest months.  

Humanitarian organizations and international observers, including the UN and Amnesty International, have warned that targeting essential civilian energy infrastructure right before winter places extreme strain on millions of residents. It could also be regarded as a war crime.

According to military experts, the intercept rate for these drone swarms typically ranges between 70% and 85%, meaning the vast majority, fortunately, are shot down or jammed before reaching their targets. However, because Russia launches them in massive, multi-wave swarms, a significant number of weapons still slip through or cause major damage.  

Even with an ~80% interception rate, if Russia launches 1,400 drones over a multi-day campaign, 250 to 300 drones still hit or land near their targets.

Shahed-136/131 drones use satellite guidance (GPS/GLONASS) combined with inertial navigation. For fixed, stationary infrastructure—like transformer substations, power plants, and oil depots—they are highly accurate unless disrupted in flight.

Even when Ukrainian air defenses achieve a successful intercept, the heavy explosive warheads or falling wreckage often land on substations, high-voltage lines, or civilian areas, causing thermal and structural damage anyway.

Frigid winter weather can’t be avoided. Basements and subway stations will be filled with terrified mothers and children. It will be unavoidable as long as Russia pursues its war against Ukraine and the free world stands by wondering what to do next.

Death Toll from Russia’s Strike on Aid Center Reaches 40

Russia’s horrific strike on the school in Komyshuvakha (Zaporizhzhia Oblast) from Monday, November 2, has seen the death toll continue to climb dramatically as rescue teams clear the heavy concrete rubble.  

The verified death toll officially hit 40, and as of this morning, emergency services have recovered 43 bodies. 

The strike hit a school site being used as a local distribution point for civilian humanitarian aid. Russian forces targeted it using heavy guided aerial bombs (KABs/FABs), followed by double-tap strikes while survivors and first responders were attempting rescue operations.  

More than 30 people remain unaccounted for or trapped in the underground shelter level beneath the collapsed structure.  

Zaporizhzhia regional authorities declared a three-day period of mourning. It is another heartbreaking, devastating tragedy.