Trump's Deadline Looms: Russia-Ukraine War Intensifies
Tensions escalate as Trump's peace deadline for Russia nears.
The Russia-Ukraine war faces a critical juncture as US President Donald Trump’s Friday deadline for the Kremlin to agree to a peace deal approaches, with the threat of severe economic sanctions looming. Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is set to arrive in Moscow midweek to push for a resolution, but the Kremlin shows little sign of yielding.
Witkoff’s visit, expected Wednesday or Thursday, follows his trip to Israel and Gaza. Trump, frustrated by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s refusal to halt attacks on Ukrainian cities, recently escalated his ultimatum, threatening additional sanctions on Russia and secondary tariffs on nations like China and India for purchasing Russian oil. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov welcomed the talks, calling them “important, substantive, and very useful,” but Russia’s stance remains firm.
Trump acknowledged Sunday that sanctions may not sway Russia, noting their skill at evading economic restrictions. “They’re wily characters,” he said. Ukraine, however, insists sanctions are straining Moscow’s war efforts and is pushing for stronger measures targeting Russia’s energy, trade, and banking sectors. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged Western allies Monday to intensify these efforts, while Trump expressed skepticism about their impact.
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The diplomatic climate has grown tense. Putin recently announced the deployment of Russia’s new hypersonic missile, Oreshnik, boasting its Mach 10 speed and uninterceptable warheads, claiming a conventional strike could rival a nuclear one. A senior Russian official also warned of potential direct conflict with the US, prompting Trump to reposition two US nuclear submarines in response to “highly provocative statements.”
The war continues to exact a heavy toll. Russian attacks have killed over 12,000 Ukrainian civilians, per UN reports, with relentless strikes on urban areas despite Trump’s calls for restraint. On the 1,000-kilometer front line, Russia’s larger forces are advancing slowly, targeting the key eastern city of Pokrovsk, a fall that could enable deeper incursions. Ukraine has countered with long-range drone strikes, recently igniting an oil depot near Russia’s Black Sea resort of Sochi.
As Trump’s deadline nears, Putin remains steadfast, insisting on a settlement on his terms. With Ukraine losing ground and diplomatic efforts faltering, the coming week could either mark a turning point or see the conflict drag on, with global repercussions hanging in the balance.
