Residents in several Russian cities and in occupied Crimea reported hearing explosions overnight on Nov. 28.

American diplomat John Herbst, the former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States to Ukraine and current Director of the Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center, stated this on Espreso TV."If the EU, with the support of the U.S., or more precisely the G7, including the United States, were to approve the transfer of nearly $300 billion in frozen Russian assets to Ukraine, it would give Ukraine a powerful new economic resource. With such support, Putin's army would not only be unable to advance but could very well begin to lose the territories it has already seized. The Russian economy would find itself under much stronger sanctions pressure, and Putin would sooner or later be forced to end the war. However, he will only stop the fighting if Ukraine agrees to a surrender deal—which Ukraine will not do. Ultimately, Trump cannot demand such a step from Kyiv, as over 80% of Americans support Ukraine in this war," Herbst explained.The diplomat believes that the support for Ukraine among Americans reduces Donald Trump's ability to pressure the Ukrainian military and political leadership."Putin is the least popular world leader among Americans. Only about 13% of U.S. citizens find him even somewhat acceptable. Therefore, I see no possibility that Trump would demand terms of surrender from Ukraine, even if some of his advisors might suggest such a scenario," he added.He also noted that if support for Ukraine from its allies is maintained, even at the current level, Putin will be forced to agree to a lasting peace."The real question is when American and broader Western policy will become sufficiently decisive. There is no answer to that question yet. However, I am convinced that if the policies of the U.S., NATO, and the EU are maintained at least at the current level, Putin will not be able to win this war and will ultimately be forced to agree to a lasting peace and a sovereign, independent Ukraine," the diplomat concluded.European governments are intensifying pressure on Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever over concerns that Brussels is not being transparent about tax income generated from €140 billion in frozen Russian reserves, as tensions mount ahead of a crucial summit on sending the funds to Ukraine.Belgium's resistance to using frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine appears driven less by legitimate concerns about financial risks and more by a reluctance to lose a lucrative revenue stream, as Prime Minister Bart De Wever increasingly resorts to manipulative arguments reminiscent of Hungary's Viktor Orbán.

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A jaw-dropping leak reveals Steve Witkoff coaching the Kremlin.

Steve Witkoff spoke to Yuri Ushakov on territorial control and suggested congratulating Donald Trump and framing talks more optimistically, audio recording suggests