ISW Reports Putin Blaming Ukraine for Stalled Peace Talks as Fighting Persists
The Institute for the Study of War said Vladimir Putin used an Oct. 9 call with Donald Trump to blame Ukraine for slow peace negotiations despite Russia’s refusal to make concessions. The assessment also noted that Trump’s announcement of a US-Russia diesel export deal disrupted talks between Ukrainian officials and US envoys in Miami. Ukrainian drone strikes hit oil and railway targets in Rostov Oblast, Russia launched 160 drones overnight, and Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Borova, according to ISW.
According to ISW, Putin spoke by phone with Trump on Oct. 9 and placed responsibility on Ukraine for stalled negotiations, even though Russia has not shown willingness to compromise or negotiate seriously. The same assessment said Russia’s defense ministry is using Max, a state-developed social platform, to give domestic audiences a curated weekly account of purported battlefield gains.
ISW also said Trump’s Oct. 9 diesel export announcement between US and Russia interfered with a Miami meeting involving Ukrainian officials, Witkoff, and Kushner. Ukrainian drones struck oil and rail targets in Rostov Oblast on Oct. 10; Russia fired 160 drones overnight, and Ukrainian troops made recent gains near Borova.
The reported diplomatic friction and continued strikes could affect Ukrainian civilians, soldiers, and energy or transport workers, while also shaping how US and Russian officials approach future talks. If negotiations remain stalled, pressure may grow on Ukraine’s allies and on communities near front lines. The diesel deal and drone attacks may influence public debate in the US, Russia, and Ukraine, though the immediate humanitarian impact is likely to be felt most by those exposed to ongoing violence.