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.
Chinese electric carmaker BYD is making major strides in Europe, with sales surging nearly fivefold in September from a year earlier to just under 25,...
Reports from CNN say the Pentagon has approved the provision of long range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine after assessing its impact on U.S. stockpiles...
Kazakhstan is stepping up its investment activity and gradually reclaiming its position as one of the region’s leading economic centres....
Moldova's parliament voted on Friday to appoint pro-EU economist Alexandru Munteanu as the country's new prime minister....
Foreign ministers of some Muslim countries will meet in Istanbul on Monday to discuss the Gaza ceasefire and next steps there, Turkish Foreign Ministe...
Chinese electric carmaker BYD is making major strides in Europe, with sales surging nearly fivefold in September from a year earlier to just under 25,000 new registrations.
Reports from CNN say the Pentagon has approved the provision of long range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine after assessing its impact on U.S. stockpiles, while leaving the ultimate decision to President Trump.
Kazakhstan is stepping up its investment activity and gradually reclaiming its position as one of the region’s leading economic centres.
Moldova's parliament voted on Friday to appoint pro-EU economist Alexandru Munteanu as the country's new prime minister.
Reliable sources have confirmed to AnewZ that the United States has asked Azerbaijan to join a Stabilisation Force in Gaza, as part of a proposed international mission to secure the territory.
Tanzanian police fired tear gas and live rounds on Thursday to disperse protesters in Dar es Salaam and other cities, a day after a disputed election marked by violence and claims of political repression, witnesses said.
Centrist liberal party D66, led by 38-year-old Rob Jetten, has made sweeping gains in the Dutch election, emerging neck and neck with Geert Wilders’ far-right Freedom Party (PVV) in early results — a stunning reversal just two years after D66 ranked sixth.
U.S. President Donald Trump agreed with President Xi Jinping to trim tariffs on China in exchange for Beijing cracking down on the illicit fentanyl trade, Trump said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Wednesday that the most difficult situation on the front line remains the eastern city of Pokrovsk, where fighting continues to be most intense due to a strong concentration of Russian forces.
The United States will not send senior officials to the COP30 climate summit in Brazil, according to a White House statement to Reuters, easing fears that Washington might try to derail the talks.
Reports from CNN say the Pentagon has approved the provision of long range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine after assessing its impact on U.S. stockpiles, while leaving the ultimate decision to President Trump.
Moldova's parliament voted on Friday to appoint pro-EU economist Alexandru Munteanu as the country's new prime minister.
Afghanistan and Pakistan have extended their ceasefire, following several days of negotiations in Istanbul from October 25 to 30, 2025, mediated by Türkiye and Qatar.
Turkish court sentenced 11 people to life in prison on Friday over a fire that killed 78 people at a ski resort in northwest Türkiye's Bolu mountains in January, state media reported.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment