Smoke rises over an oil refinery in Russia’s Samara region after Ukrainian drone strikes, October 30, 2026

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EA-Ukraine VideoCasts: Why Kremlin Won’t Re-Enter Meaningful Talks to End Invasion

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I joined Frontline’s Laura Martinez-Williams for a 37-minute deep dive into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Kyiv’s counter-attacks.

I begin with Ukraine’s resumption of strikes on Russian refineries, defying Donald Trump’s tilt towards the Kremlin, as Vladimir Putin continues to refuse talks for an end to his invasion.

I explain why the local ceasefire in Oleshky in southern Ukraine, while welcome for the 2,000 residents trapped by Russian occupiers, is unlikely to lead to a wider halt of fighting.

I emphasize the need for continued support of Ukraine as the Kremlin makes a winter effort, perhaps its last, to force Kyiv’s surrender.

And I ponder what Putin’s pursuit of an elixir for long life really means.