Witkoff’s videoconference covered his Wednesday talks in Moscow with the Russian leader and “future steps,” including a possible Trump-Putin summit, two sources told the Axios news site. Zelensky said not all issues were covered Thursday and “much remains to be done.”
Trump has given the Kremlin until Friday to accept a Ukraine ceasefire or face U.S. sanctions and secondary tariffs. On Thursday, the president said the time limit now “depends on Putin.” The administration is considering measures against Russia’s “shadow fleet” of oil tankers and 25% duties on countries buying Russian crude; India is already subject to the levy, and China could follow.
After Witkoff’s visit, Trump called the Moscow talks “very productive” and hinted at a three-way summit with Putin and Zelensky. Axios said the call unsettled European officials, uncertain whether sanctions would still be announced Friday.
Kremlin sources cited by Reuters said Putin is unlikely to yield, viewing possible penalties as painful but not catastrophic, and doubting Trump’s resolve given past threats that were “walked back.”
CNN outlined scenarios ranging from a limited winter freeze in fighting to a prolonged war resembling the Soviet Union’s Afghan quagmire. Only one envisages Russia’s clear military defeat, the network said, and none can be achieved without Ukraine’s direct participation in any future negotiations.
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Source: PAP, IAR