In Moscow, US envoy Steve Witkoff engages in discussions with President Vladimir Putin, as international pressures mount for a resolution.
**Negotiations in Crisis: US Envoy Witkoff Meets Putin as Ceasefire Deadline Approaches**
**Negotiations in Crisis: US Envoy Witkoff Meets Putin as Ceasefire Deadline Approaches**
As the deadline for a ceasefire looms, critical dialogues take place at the Kremlin amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
In a pivotal meeting this morning at the Kremlin, Steve Witkoff, the US envoy, engaged with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to reports from Russian media. This meeting comes as the deadline set by US President Donald Trump for Russia to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine approaches rapidly. Trump has warned of severe sanctions against Russia and imposing secondary sanctions on nations trading with Moscow if steps are not taken to halt what he referred to as the "horrible war" with Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed skepticism about Russia’s commitment to peace discussions unless it faces significant financial strains. He has welcomed the prospect of intensified US sanctions and tariffs targeting countries purchasing Russian oil. Visuals from the meeting display Witkoff and Putin exchanging smiles and handshakes, though expectations for a feasible resolution by Friday remain low. Russia's aerial assaults on Ukraine have persisted, indicating a lack of urgency in negotiations despite Trump’s threats.
Previously, Trump claimed he could resolve the conflict in a day, but has since adopted a firmer stance towards Russia after a series of failed ceasefire discussions. Zelensky reiterated concerns over continuing Russian military actions, stating, “We thought we had [the war] settled numerous times...,” referencing unforeseen escalations from Russia.
Simultaneously, the US administration authorized an additional $200 million in military sales to Ukraine, expanding defense cooperation amid ongoing discussions between Zelensky and Trump. The use of drones by Ukraine has increased, targeting Russian energy facilities as retaliatory measures continue. In recent reports, a strike in Kyiv resulted in fatalities, tying back to relentless bombardments that have characterized the ongoing conflict.
Ukrainian authorities noted a recent attack on a holiday camp in Zaporizhzhia, which resulted in two deaths and left a dozen others injured. Zelensky commented, “There’s no military sense in this attack. It’s just cruelty to scare people,” reinforcing the brutality of the situation on the ground. As the international community keeps a close watch, it remains unclear whether the Kremlin will alter its military approach or respond positively to diplomatic initiatives before the looming deadline.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed skepticism about Russia’s commitment to peace discussions unless it faces significant financial strains. He has welcomed the prospect of intensified US sanctions and tariffs targeting countries purchasing Russian oil. Visuals from the meeting display Witkoff and Putin exchanging smiles and handshakes, though expectations for a feasible resolution by Friday remain low. Russia's aerial assaults on Ukraine have persisted, indicating a lack of urgency in negotiations despite Trump’s threats.
Previously, Trump claimed he could resolve the conflict in a day, but has since adopted a firmer stance towards Russia after a series of failed ceasefire discussions. Zelensky reiterated concerns over continuing Russian military actions, stating, “We thought we had [the war] settled numerous times...,” referencing unforeseen escalations from Russia.
Simultaneously, the US administration authorized an additional $200 million in military sales to Ukraine, expanding defense cooperation amid ongoing discussions between Zelensky and Trump. The use of drones by Ukraine has increased, targeting Russian energy facilities as retaliatory measures continue. In recent reports, a strike in Kyiv resulted in fatalities, tying back to relentless bombardments that have characterized the ongoing conflict.
Ukrainian authorities noted a recent attack on a holiday camp in Zaporizhzhia, which resulted in two deaths and left a dozen others injured. Zelensky commented, “There’s no military sense in this attack. It’s just cruelty to scare people,” reinforcing the brutality of the situation on the ground. As the international community keeps a close watch, it remains unclear whether the Kremlin will alter its military approach or respond positively to diplomatic initiatives before the looming deadline.
