Putin, Zelenskyy, and the World Are Absolutely Waiting on America’s Midterms (video commentary)

10/28/2026

Thank You for Standing With Ukraine https://ukrainesupport…

Russia has plenty to say about attacks on civilians. So why does Lyman look like this? As Ukrainian strikes are reported near Moscow and in Lipetsk, the Kremlin is launching another offensive—this one built on propaganda, threats, and attempts to control the narrative around peace negotiations. Maria Zakharova accuses Ukraine of terrorism and attacks President Zelenskyy’s legitimacy. But the images of destroyed Ukrainian homes in Lyman expose a devastating reality that Moscow’s spokespeople would rather the world ignore.

Putin’s aide Yuri Ushakov is making revealing statements about negotiations with the United States, possible sanctions relief involving the Russian Direct Investment Fund, and the exclusion of European representatives from future peace talks. Russia still won’t commit to a specific negotiating date. I examine what these statements reveal about Moscow’s tactics, the approaching U.S. midterm elections, and the potential consequences of renewed fighting involving Iran.

Then comes Zakharova’s extraordinary attack on Ukraine, Britain, and Zelenskyy. She issues warnings concerning Storm Shadow missiles, accuses Ukrainian forces of attacking civilians, and claims Zelenskyy is prolonging the war for his own political survival. I challenge that narrative with images from Lyman and Zelenskyy’s own words in his interview with The Sun. His message about American support, Starlink, intelligence cooperation, and Ukraine’s sovereignty deserves serious attention.

We also examine a late Russian claim concerning Sergei Lavrov’s planned trip to a G20 foreign ministers meeting in Atlanta, alongside a reported U.S. warning about another possible massive Russian strike against Ukraine. With diplomacy uncertain and the war continuing, the contrast between Moscow’s public statements and the destruction inside Ukraine could hardly be more important.