Behind Trump's shift towards Russia, the lucrative business promises of Kirill Dmitriev, Putin's dealmaker

Kyrylo Budanov expressed frustration during a meeting with Steve Witkoff, who proposed a postwar prosperity plan involving Ukraine and Russia. Witkoff's plan included restoring gas pipelines, which Budanov found unacceptable, fearing it would make Ukraine dependent on Moscow. The meeting was tense, and Budanov consulted President Zelensky, who advised him to remain composed. The situation escalated when Trump announced a deal to purchase Russian diesel, aiming to lower oil prices ahead of the midterm elections.