Trump-Putin Talks Produce Constructive Dialogue Amid Ukraine Deadline

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism about the recent highly productive talks between his special envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, highlighting progress toward ending the war in Ukraine. These discussions, described as useful and constructive by Kremlin officials, occurred just days before a deadline set by Trump for Russia to accept a proposed peace agreement. Despite the diplomatic engagement, the U.S. plans to proceed with secondary sanctions targeting Russia's trade partners, including imposing a 25% tariff on Indian goods due to their purchase of Russian oil, signaling continued pressure on Moscow's war economy. Trump emphasized that all parties, including European allies, agree the conflict must end and pledged to work toward peace in the coming days and weeks. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelenskiy remains steadfast in rejecting Russia's territorial claims, while Putin's peace terms involve significant concessions from Ukraine. The talks mark a significant moment in U.S.-Russian relations but leave many details undisclosed, maintaining tension around the conflict's resolution.