US Envoy Witkoff to Visit Russia Amid Tensions and Sanctions Deadline
President Trump confirms envoy Steve Witkoff's upcoming trip to Russia, as tensions rise and a deadline for new sanctions looms.
Washington: President Donald Trump has confirmed that his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, will travel to Russia in the coming week.
This move comes amid escalating tensions with Moscow and a looming deadline for US sanctions against Russia.
According to Trump, two nuclear submarines have been deployed to the region following an online dispute with former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev.
The exact nature of these submarines—whether they are nuclear-powered or armed—is unclear, as such details are classified by the US military.The upcoming visit from Witkoff precedes a deadline set by Trump for Russia to take steps towards ending the conflict in Ukraine, which could result in new sanctions if not addressed.
Trump did not specify what message Witkoff will convey to Moscow but emphasized that a deal is needed where 'people stop getting killed.' Previous threats from Washington have included imposing secondary tariffs on Russia's remaining trade partners, such as China and India.Despite international pressure, Russian President Vladimir Putin remains steadfast in his position.
He maintains that he seeks peace but insists on conditions that satisfy both Russia and Ukraine, including control over regions claimed by Moscow and Ukraine's rejection of NATO membership aspirations.
In response to recent escalations, Ukraine has intensified its drone attacks on Russian territory, most notably igniting a fire at an oil depot in Sochi.The ongoing conflict has seen increasing civilian casualties due to Russia's attacks on Ukrainian territory.
Recent discussions have focused on prisoner exchanges, with 1,200 Ukrainian troops set to return home following negotiations in Istanbul.
President Trump initially projected a swift end to the war but has since expressed growing frustration with Putin over Russia's continued military efforts.
This move comes amid escalating tensions with Moscow and a looming deadline for US sanctions against Russia.
According to Trump, two nuclear submarines have been deployed to the region following an online dispute with former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev.
The exact nature of these submarines—whether they are nuclear-powered or armed—is unclear, as such details are classified by the US military.The upcoming visit from Witkoff precedes a deadline set by Trump for Russia to take steps towards ending the conflict in Ukraine, which could result in new sanctions if not addressed.
Trump did not specify what message Witkoff will convey to Moscow but emphasized that a deal is needed where 'people stop getting killed.' Previous threats from Washington have included imposing secondary tariffs on Russia's remaining trade partners, such as China and India.Despite international pressure, Russian President Vladimir Putin remains steadfast in his position.
He maintains that he seeks peace but insists on conditions that satisfy both Russia and Ukraine, including control over regions claimed by Moscow and Ukraine's rejection of NATO membership aspirations.
In response to recent escalations, Ukraine has intensified its drone attacks on Russian territory, most notably igniting a fire at an oil depot in Sochi.The ongoing conflict has seen increasing civilian casualties due to Russia's attacks on Ukrainian territory.
Recent discussions have focused on prisoner exchanges, with 1,200 Ukrainian troops set to return home following negotiations in Istanbul.
President Trump initially projected a swift end to the war but has since expressed growing frustration with Putin over Russia's continued military efforts.
