Russian President Vladimir Putin held a three-hour meeting on Wednesday with Steve Witkoff, the special envoy of U.S. President Donald Trump, amid a looming deadline for Russia to agree to a peace deal with Ukraine—or face tough new U.S. sanctions.
The Kremlin described the talks as “useful and constructive,” with both sides focusing on the Ukrainian conflict and the potential for renewed U.S.-Russia strategic cooperation, according to Putin’s foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov.
Trump Confirms Progress, Allies Briefed
President Trump, posting on Truth Social, said the meeting was “highly productive” and that “great progress was made.” He also confirmed that European allies were briefed and discussions on a path toward peace are expected to continue “in the days and weeks to come.”
U.S. Sanctions Loom as Deadline Nears
A White House official stated that the U.S. still intends to impose secondary sanctions on Russia starting Friday, unless progress toward peace is evident. These sanctions could include steep tariffs on countries importing Russian oil, potentially impacting nations like China and India.
Trump previously gave Moscow a 50-day ultimatum, later shortened, in response to continued Russian strikes on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. He has since expressed frustration with Putin over the escalation of attacks.
Zelenskyy, Trump Speak Following Kremlin Talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed he spoke with Trump after the meeting, joined by several European leaders. Zelenskyy emphasized a unified stance:
“Our common position is absolutely clear: The war must end. We all need lasting and reliable peace. Russia must end the war it started.”
No further details of the call were disclosed.
Russia Continues Attacks Despite Diplomatic Moves
Despite diplomatic overtures, Russian forces launched new attacks overnight in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region, hitting a recreational center and killing two civilians. At least 12 others were injured, including two children. Zelenskyy condemned the attack, saying:
“There is zero military sense in this strike. Only cruelty to intimidate.”
Russian strikes also targeted power and gas infrastructure, as Ukraine braces for another harsh winter.
Kremlin Signals No Intent to Back Down
Analysts say Putin is stalling for time, seeking to expand territorial control while avoiding real negotiation. The current Russian offensive, though progressing faster than last year, has made only slow, costly gains, with no major cities captured.
Putin has also escalated military rhetoric, announcing the deployment of a new hypersonic missile and ending Russia’s moratorium on intermediate-range nuclear missiles, raising fears of a new arms race.
Military Posturing on Both Sides
Amid growing tensions, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warned of the possibility of direct conflict between the U.S. and Russia over Ukraine. In response, Trump ordered the repositioning of two U.S. nuclear submarines.
Skepticism Over Sanctions
While Trump has threatened broad penalties, he also voiced doubt about their impact, stating Sunday:
“Russia has proven pretty good at avoiding sanctions. They’re wily characters.”
The Kremlin maintains that sanctions have had limited effect, while Ukraine insists they are hurting Russia’s war machine and is calling for tougher enforcement from the West.
As the clock ticks toward the Friday deadline, global attention is now on whether the Moscow-Washington dialogue will yield real movement—or merely deepen the diplomatic standoff.
