Gert Hardeman 

According to Le Monde, citing sources, U.S. special envoy Witkoff held a tense meeting in Florida on October 9 with Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office. Sources claimed that Witkoff spoke to Budanov “like a child,” trying to “teach” him how to make money. Witkoff proposed a postwar “regional prosperity plan” that included fully restoring Russian oil and gas transit to Europe through Ukrainian territory. Witkoff argued that Ukraine would earn transit revenues while Europe would benefit from lower energy costs. Budanov reportedly replied that Ukraine’s model is “not Belarus, but Poland,” then stepped out to call President Zelenskyy, who advised him not to show any reaction. When the talks resumed, the Ukrainian side was shown a document outlining a U.S.-Russia diesel deal. An irritated Witkoff reportedly said: “Accept this diesel deal and stop striking Russian oil refineries — you are putting the world at risk!” Ukrainian participants were described as shocked, viewing the plan as creating dependency on Moscow and noting that the United States appeared to have secured nothing in return from Putin. A source close to the delegation told Le Monde: “I have never seen the Ukrainians so stunned and alarmed after a meeting.” Analysts contrasted the episode with the February 28, 2025 Oval Office incident, saying this one involves concrete policy decisions that could affect Ukraine’s ability to defend itself ahead of a potentially harsh winter. lemonde.fr/international/art…