Diplomatic Summit Before the Deadline: Putin Meets With Wittkoff in Moscow

Just two days before the end of a deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with Trump's special envoy, Steve Wittkoff, in Moscow. This crucial meeting takes place at a critical juncture, as Russia faces threats of severe economic sanctions unless a peace agreement is reached with Ukraine.

Meeting Details and the American Deadline

The Kremlin announced that talks between Putin and Wittkoff had taken place, but provided no further details about the content of the meeting. The visit's timing is of utmost importance, given the approaching Friday deadline set by Trump. This ultimatum includes a warning from Washington of "significant tariffs" and other economic sanctions on Russia—and potentially on countries that purchase Russian oil—if the war in Ukraine does not end.

Earlier in the day, Wittkoff was seen speaking with Kirill Dmitriev, Putin's envoy for investment and economic cooperation, during an early morning walk in Zaryadye Park near the Kremlin. Dmitriev is a key figure in Russian diplomacy, having played a major role in direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul, as well as in previous discussions with U.S. officials.

American Frustration Over Russian Escalation

These developments come amid growing frustration from Trump over Russia's continued escalation, particularly its targeting of civilian areas in Ukraine. These attacks, which aim to undermine the Ukrainian people's morale, contradict Trump's earlier calls for de-escalation.

On Tuesday night, Russian forces launched an attack on a recreational center in Ukraine's southern Zaporizhzhia region, killing two people and injuring 12, including two children. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the attack as "an act of brutality" lacking any military logic and aimed solely at "intimidation."

Zelensky's Call for Increased Pressure

Coinciding with Wittkoff's visit to Moscow, Ukrainian President Zelensky called on the U.S. to increase pressure on Russia. In a social media post, Zelensky emphasized the need to "intensify all pressure tools" available to the United States, Europe, and the G7, asserting that the Kremlin will only seriously seek to end the war when it feels sufficient pressure.