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Tensions rise as Trump envoy Witkoff heads to Russia amid Ukraine ultimatum
Steve Witkoff, envoy of U.S. President Donald Trump, is expected in Russia midweek as tensions escalate between Washington and Moscow. The visit comes just days before the expiration of Trump’s ten-day ultimatum demanding Russian President Vladimir Putin end the war in Ukraine or face additional, unspecified sanctions.
The Kremlin labeled Witkoff’s upcoming visit as “important and useful,” despite growing unease after Trump deployed two nuclear submarines last Friday in reaction to a public spat with former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev. Trump confirmed the submarines are "in the region" but offered no further detail on their capabilities.
Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov urged caution regarding nuclear rhetoric, warning against inflaming tensions. He added that Russia does not intend to be drawn into "such controversy." Ukraine's presidential chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, responded that “Russia only understands strength.”
The meeting with Witkoff, possibly scheduled for Wednesday or Thursday, could include talks with Putin, though not confirmed. Trump, frustrated by the ongoing war despite previous efforts to broker peace, reiterated his demand: “Make a deal so people stop dying.” He also warned of “secondary tariffs” against countries like China and India that continue trading with Russia.
Despite multiple meetings between Witkoff and the Kremlin in recent months, Trump’s attempts to mediate have failed. Russian military activity remains aggressive: Ukraine reported over 160 drones and one missile launched overnight, while a Ukrainian drone strike set fire to a fuel depot in Sochi, Russia.
Putin insists on harsh conditions for peace, including Ukraine ceding four partially occupied regions and Crimea, halting Western arms deliveries, and abandoning NATO aspirations. Ukraine rejects these terms and demands full Russian withdrawal and continued Western support, including possible deployment of European troops.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed willingness to meet Putin personally, though the Kremlin has dismissed the idea.
