Russia Uses Its Own War Crimes to Court White House Favor, ISW Says

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports that Russia is using humanitarian crises it created through its war in Ukraine to gain favor with the Trump administration, as demonstrated by a White House ceremony on November 5. During the meeting with Melania Trump, Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev highlighted the ceasefire's humanitarian success without acknowledging Russia's sole responsibility for the crisis in occupied Oleshky. ISW analysts say these efforts aim to push the White House toward a more favorable position on Russia and secure concessions in future negotiations. The ceremony followed recent Russian strikes on Ukrainian civilians, including an attack on Dnipro's train station that killed at least 14 people. Melania Trump presented personal letters to Presidents Zelensky and Putin, while Russian official Yana Lantratova, who is under US sanctions for involvement in abducting Ukrainian children, also attended.