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U.S. President Donald Trump has revealed that his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, may travel to Russia this coming week, potentially on Wednesday or Thursday as Trump warned that if Russian President Vladimir Putin does not agree to a deal by 8 August, Washington will impose new economic sanctions.
"Well, there'll be sanctions, but they seem to be pretty good at avoiding sanctions. You know, they're wily characters," Trump told reporters. "Steve is focused right now on the border in terms of Gaza, getting people fed. And he may be going... I think next week, Wednesday or Thursday, may be going to Russia. They've asked that he meet. So we'll see what happens."
The announcement follows a shift in tone from the U.S. president, who has recently distanced himself from earlier conciliatory rhetoric towards Moscow. Instead, Trump has signalled increased support for Ukraine, including openness to sending more military aid if Russia fails to halt its attacks.
While Witkoff’s trip may include humanitarian discussions linked to Gaza, Trump confirmed that Russian officials have invited him for talks, indicating a possible diplomatic opening.
Frontlines heating up
The diplomatic efforts come amid an intensifying conflict. Russia has claimed gains in Donetsk, Sumy, and Kharkiv, while also announcing it had struck Ukrainian drone facilities and shot down more than 300 Ukrainian drones in one day.
In response, Ukraine launched a series of drone strikes deep inside Russian territory, targeting fuel storage sites, a drone operations base, and an electronics plant. Several people were reported killed or injured in the attacks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia had launched more than 5,000 glide bombs and thousands of drones in July alone, urging the international community to toughen sanctions and halt the attacks.
Countdown to 8 August
President Trump has drawn a clear line, stating that if Moscow does not move towards a ceasefire by 8 August, new sanctions will follow. While the administration has not yet detailed the scope of the measures, they are expected to target key Russian economic sectors.
Witkoff’s potential trip to Russia could play a role in testing the Kremlin’s willingness to negotiate. The U.S. has not confirmed whether the envoy will meet Putin directly, but Trump said Russia “would like to see him,” adding that the visit will depend on evolving circumstances.
With tensions rising and the conflict escalating, the coming days are likely to determine whether diplomacy can gain ground or whether Washington will escalate pressure through fresh sanctions.
A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the Oaxaca region of Mexico on Saturday.
The UK is gearing up for Exercise Pegasus 2025, its largest pandemic readiness test since COVID-19. Running from September to November, this full-scale simulation will challenge the country's response to a fast-moving respiratory outbreak.
Kuwait says oil prices will likely stay below $72 per barrel as OPEC monitors global supply trends and U.S. policy signals. The remarks come during market uncertainty fueled by new U.S. tariffs on India and possible sanctions on Russia.
Honduras has brought back mask mandates as COVID-19 cases and a new variant surge nationwide.
SpaceX launched its 50th Dragon spacecraft mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on Sunday, delivering 5,000 lbs of supplies and scientific experiments. The CRS-33 mission also supports critical research for future human space exploration.
Ursula von der Leyen has defended the EU-U.S. tariff agreement, calling it a "conscious decision" that prevented a trade war, while responding to Mario Draghi's criticism of the EU's influence in global trade.
Typhoon Kajiki, the 13th of the year, intensified as it struck Hainan's coastal city of Sanya on Sunday, bringing heavy rain, powerful winds, and heightened risks of flash floods and geological disasters. Authorities have activated emergency measures to ensure safety and prevent damage.
Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, rejected U.S. negotiations and criticized Israel in a speech on August 24, 2025, emphasizing that Iran would not bow to foreign demands and reaffirming the nation's stance on sovereignty and resistance.
On Sunday, August 24, 2025, Russia and Ukraine conducted a significant prisoner exchange, each releasing 146 prisoners of war, facilitated by mediation from the United Arab Emirates. This swap is part of ongoing humanitarian efforts amid the prolonged conflict between the two nations.
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