US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow: Deadline Looms for Russia-Ukraine Peace Agreement
US special envoy Steve Witkoff has arrived in Moscow ahead of the White House’s deadline for Russia to reach a peace agreement with Ukraine or face severe economic consequences. Witkoff was spotted walking in Zaryadye Park with Kirill Dmitriev, the Russian president’s envoy for investment and economic cooperation. Dmitriev has been involved in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul and discussions with US officials. It is unclear if Witkoff will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov welcomed Witkoff’s visit, calling the talks important and useful. President Donald Trump’s deadline for Putin is approaching, with the threat of severe tariffs and economic penalties if the violence in Ukraine continues. Despite Trump’s efforts, the diplomatic stalemate persists, and Ukraine is losing territory on the front line without a collapse of its defenses.
Trump initially set a 50-day deadline for Moscow but extended it as the bombing of Ukrainian cities continued. Potential sanctions could impact Russia’s economy and target countries buying Russian oil, such as China and India. Trump acknowledged Russia’s ability to evade sanctions, calling them "wily characters." The Kremlin downplayed the impact of international sanctions imposed since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Ukraine believes the sanctions are affecting Russia’s war efforts and urges Western allies to intensify them. President Volodymyr Zelensky called for stronger secondary sanctions on Russia’s energy, trade, and banking sectors. The situation remains tense as the deadline approaches, with uncertainty about the outcome of the talks between US and Russian officials.