Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff held talks in Moscow
Moscow — Russian President Vladimir Putin met U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff for several hours on Wednesday, in what Kremlin officials described as “useful and constructive” discussions, just two days before President Donald Trump’s deadline for Russia to agree to end the war in Ukraine or face new sanctions.
The meeting, held at the Kremlin, lasted about three hours and focused on both the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the potential for strategic cooperation between Moscow and Washington. Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s foreign policy aide, said both sides “exchanged signals” but declined to provide specifics until Witkoff briefed the U.S. president.
Trump’s Sanctions Deadline Nears
President Trump has set a Friday deadline for Russia to take concrete steps toward peace or face additional economic penalties. He has threatened to target countries that continue to buy Russian exports, particularly oil and gas, and is pressuring major buyers like India and China to reduce imports.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the administration would provide updates soon and that further announcements could come after Witkoff’s return to Washington.
Talks Amid Escalating Conflict
The meeting comes as Russia continues its heaviest airstrikes of the war, with recent attacks in Kyiv killing dozens, while Ukraine has targeted Russian refineries and oil facilities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Wednesday that Russia had struck a gas pumping station critical for winter heating, calling it a “cynical attack.”
Despite the ongoing violence, some reports suggest the Kremlin may be considering a temporary moratorium on airstrikes — an idea recently floated by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko — though this falls short of the full ceasefire demanded by Ukraine and the U.S.
Strategic and Political Stakes
Analysts say the meeting is likely a last-ditch attempt to find common ground. While Trump seeks a breakthrough to justify avoiding additional sanctions, Russian officials believe President Putin remains committed to his military objectives, even at the cost of worsening relations with Washington.
Putin has insisted on conditions for any peace agreement, including:
- Ukrainian neutrality and no NATO expansion eastward
- Protection of Russian-speaking populations
- Recognition of Russia’s territorial gains
Ukraine has rejected these terms, saying it will not cede occupied regions or abandon its right to pursue NATO membership.
Witkoff, a real estate executive turned envoy, has been tasked with brokering talks in multiple global conflicts, including the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, as part of the Trump administration’s foreign policy efforts.
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