This week, we celebrated the release of two Americans — Robert Gilman and Stephen Hubbard — from Russian prisons, both having been held as political hostages for around four years on trumped-up charges.

But, while we rejoice at their homecoming, we cannot overlook the fact that it was accomplished at some as-yet-unknown cost to the United States and benefit to Vladimir Putin. We had already been made aware of the lifting of sanctions, the purchase of Russian diesel fuel, and the invitation to Putin to attend the G20 summit in Miami in December. What else is happening behind closed doors remains a mystery for now.

Of course, it is always necessary to negotiate with our enemies if we wish to accomplish anything. And it is expected that some concessions will probably be required . . . ideally on both sides.

But to show obeisance to a ruthless, tyrannical, warmongering mass killer like Vladimir Putin is absolutely unforgivable. Yet that is precisely what U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff did in Moscow when Hubbard’s release was finally assured. He did everything but genuflect as he told the Russian leader:

“You talk so much about my president, President Trump, being a humanitarian, you are a humanitarian also, sir, and I salute that, I commend you, and I thank you again.”

[Source: Mike Eckel, RFE/RL, October 21, 2026.]

*. *. *

I suddenly find myself entertaining visions of Dante’s 9th Circle of Hell (“Treachery”). I wonder why.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
10/22/26