Tensions Rise as Putin Meets US Envoy over Ukraine Conflict

Russian President, Vladimir Putin met with US envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow on Wednesday, just two days before a deadline set by US President Donald Trump for Russia to halt its Ukraine offensive or face fresh sanctions.

The meeting comes as Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine continues to escalate, with recent drone and missile attacks reaching record highs.

Trump had boasted that he could end the conflict within 24 hours of taking office and has given Russia until Friday to make progress towards peace. However, three rounds of Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul have failed to yield significant progress on a ceasefire.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged Washington to increase pressure on Moscow to agree to a ceasefire, emphasizing the need for immediate action to stop the bloodshed.

The White House has not specified what actions it would take against Russia if the deadline passes without progress. However, Trump has previously threatened to impose “secondary tariffs” targeting Russia’s key trade partners, such as China and India, which could stifle Russian exports but also risk significant international disruption.

Tensions between Moscow and Washington have been running high, with Trump stating that he has deployed two nuclear submarines to the region.

Russia has responded cautiously, urging restraint, but has also announced that it is ending its self-imposed moratorium on nuclear-capable intermediate-range missiles.

The conflict in Ukraine has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, widespread destruction, and millions displaced. Russia’s demands for Ukraine to cede territory and renounce Western support remain a major sticking point in negotiations.

As the situation continues to unfold, the international community watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.