Russian President Vladimir Putin met US special envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow on Tuesday. The meeting could mean a final push to avoid sanctions from the US if Russia does not end the war with Ukraine.
A video from the meeting showed both leaders smiling, suggesting a cordial exchange. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the talks as “important, substantial and helpful,” and acknowledged the significance of ‘US efforts to end the conflict’.
Former US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly claimed he could resolve the war ‘within 24 hours’ of taking office, has reportedly given Moscow a Friday deadline to initiate steps toward peace or face new penalties.
Though Trump has not confirmed specific sanctions publicly, he did warn about ‘secondary tariffs’ to affect Russia’s major trade allies. These efforts intend to curb Russia’s exports but may trigger global economic fallout.
Speaking on Tuesday, Trump said he was waiting to see the outcome of the Moscow meeting before deciding on further action. “We’re going to see what happens,” he stated.
Zelenskyy Calls for More Pressure on Moscow
As news of the US-Russia meeting spread, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged Western powers to intensify pressure on the Kremlin. “It is very important to strengthen all the levers in the arsenal of the United States, Europe, and the G7 so that a ceasefire truly comes into effect immediately.
Ukraine sees the political will, appreciates the efforts of our partners, of America, and of everyone who is helping,” Zelenskyy wrote on social media Wednesday, shortly after Witkoff arrived in Moscow.
So far, three rounds of peace negotiations have been held between Russia and Ukraine, but no ceasefire agreement has been reached.
US-Russia Military Tensions Escalate
Meanwhile, tensions have risen after Trump ordered the deployment of two nuclear submarines near Russian waters following a heated online exchange with former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.
Trump has not clarified whether the submarines are nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed, nor has he revealed their exact locations, which the US military keeps classified.
In response, Russia advised caution and hinted at deploying similar weapons in retaliation, accusing the US of stationing weapons within striking distance of its borders.
The war, now in its fourth year, has led to massive destruction across Ukraine, killing tens of thousands and displacing millions. Moscow has continued to insist that Ukraine must cede additional territory and abandon Western alliances if it wishes to bring the conflict to an end.
