Putin hosts Trump envoy as Ukraine peace deadline looms

Putin met Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff ahead of a looming US deadline demanding a peace deal with Ukraine. Failure could result in steep economic penalties. Trump has condemned Russia’s intensifying strikes on civilians despite previous appeals to de-escalate.

Moscow: The Kremlin announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin is hosting US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, for talks, days before the White House’s deadline for Russia to reach a peace deal with Ukraine or potentially face severe economic penalties that could also impact countries purchasing its oil.

Trump’s deadline for Putin is set to expire on Friday. Washington has threatened “severe tariffs” and other economic penalties if the killing doesn’t stop.

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Trump has expressed increasing frustration with Putin over Russia’s escalating strikes on civilian areas of Ukraine, intended to erode morale and public appetite for the war. The intensified attacks have occurred even as Trump has urged the Russian leader in recent months to relent.