Russian President Vladimir Putin met with U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow for a three-hour discussion, just days before a White House deadline for Russia to agree to a Ukraine peace deal or face severe economic sanctions, including penalties on countries buying Russian oil, the Kremlin confirmed. The talks, described as “useful and constructive” by Putin’s aide Yuri Ushakov, focused on the Ukraine crisis and potential U.S.-Russia strategic cooperation, though no immediate details were released.

Witkoff, joined earlier by Kremlin envoy Kirill Dmitriev for a stroll in Moscow’s Zaryadye Park, has been central to stalled negotiations, including three fruitless rounds of Russia-Ukraine talks in Istanbul. Dmitriev, posting on X, expressed optimism, stating “dialogue will prevail.” However, with Trump’s Friday deadline approaching, hopes for a breakthrough remain dim as Russia continues its military offensive.

Trump, frustrated by Russia’s escalating attacks on Ukrainian civilian areas, including a recent strike in Zaporizhzhia that killed two and injured 12, has threatened “severe tariffs” on nations like China and India for buying Russian oil. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned a Russian glide bomb attack as “cruelty to intimidate,” noting strikes on Ukraine’s power grid ahead of winter.

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Despite Putin’s claims of military strength, including a new hypersonic missile and relaxed nuclear missile policies, Western analysts say Russia’s advances are slow and costly. Ukraine insists sanctions are weakening Moscow and urges stronger Western measures, while Trump doubts their impact, calling Russians “wily characters.” The talks, amid rising U.S.-Russia tensions, risk further straining relations as the Kremlin prepares for potential NATO confrontation.

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