Trump's envoy meets with Putin in the Kremlin, as ceasefire deadline approaches

Russian media have reported that a meeting between US emissary Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin is under way in the Kremlin.

Witkoff has arrived in Moscow on Wednesday, as Donald Trump's deadline for achieving a ceasefire in Ukraine approaches.

We remember that the American president has warned that Russia could face severe sanctions, or secondary sanctions against all countries doing business with it, if it does not take steps towards the end of the terrible “fight” with Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russia will make serious moves towards peace only if it runs out of money. He has welcomed the United States threat of stricter sanctions and tariffs on countries buying Russian oil.

The BBC writes that expectations of an agreement by Friday remain low, while Russia continues large-scale air strikes on Ukraine despite Trump threats of sanctions.

We recall that three rounds of talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul have failed to bring peace even three and a half years after Moscow's full occupation began.