US Envoy Witkoff Visits Russia Ahead Ukraine War Sanctions Deadline

U.S. President Donald Trump has set a firm deadline for Russia to agree to measures ending the conflict in Ukraine by August 8 to avoid the imposition of fresh economic sanctions. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to travel to Moscow midweek to engage in critical diplomatic talks, with Russia reportedly requesting this meeting and Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov welcoming the contact. Despite six months of diplomacy without a ceasefire, Trump remains optimistic about stopping the war through negotiation and has acknowledged Russia's ability to evade sanctions. The Kremlin insists that any settlement must involve Ukraine abandoning NATO membership aspirations and recognizing new territorial realities. U.S. officials, including Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker, emphasize that a negotiated settlement is essential to end the war, as continued Russian attacks underscore the urgency. Witkoff's visit represents a last-chance effort to secure peace before the sanctions deadline expires.