Al Jazeera News Updates Al Jazeera News Updates

Diplomatic push to end war in Ukraine, International pressure on Israel

Oct 21, 2026 · 2m

Summary

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine. The episode also covers French President Emmanuel Macron’s Gulf tour to bolster defense and energy cooperation amid regional security threats. Finally, it examines the growing global isolation of Israel ahead of its October elections, highlighting the economic impact of widespread international sanctions and diplomatic breaks.

Topics discussed

Witkoff arrives in St. Petersburg to meet Putin Zelensky rejects Trump's comments on Ukraine's war status Macron meets Qatari Emir to boost defense and energy ties Israel's growing global isolation ahead of elections Economic impact of sanctions and trade halts on Israel Promo for the new season of Doha Debates podcast
Listen ad-free on Castria