U.S. President Donald Trump announced that his special envoy Steve Witkoff had achieved "great progress" during a three-hour meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, as Washington prepares to impose new sanctions on Friday.
U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing for an in-person meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin as early as next week, following diplomatic efforts led by his special envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow.
According to The New York Times, which cited two people familiar with the planning, the proposed summit could also involve Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a subsequent round of discussions aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
Details of the potential meeting were shared during a phone call between Trump and several European leaders on Wednesday, the paper reported, hours after Witkoff returned from Russia.
While the White House has not officially confirmed the summit, Trump posted on Truth Social that he had spoken with allies following Witkoff’s “highly productive” talks with Putin.
"Everyone agrees this War must come to a close, and we will work towards that in the days and weeks to come," Trump wrote.
The former businessman, who returned to the presidency in January, has repeatedly pledged to bring a swift end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He has already held separate discussions with both Putin and Zelenskyy this year, though officials say Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with what he views as a lack of progress from the Kremlin.
Witkoff’s three-hour meeting in Moscow earlier this week was aimed at finding a breakthrough in the war, which began in February 2022 with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Trump is continuing to escalate pressure on countries supporting Russia economically. On Wednesday, he imposed a 25% tariff on Indian imports, citing New Delhi’s ongoing oil purchases from Moscow. The tariffs raise duties on certain Indian goods to as high as 50%.
The White House said secondary sanctions on countries doing business with Russia are still expected to be announced on Friday.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has also warned Chinese officials that they could face similar penalties if they continue buying sanctioned Russian oil. Although no action has yet been taken against China, discussions remain ongoing as a 90-day tariff truce between Washington and Beijing nears its 12 August expiry.
The war has now entered its fourth year, with devastating humanitarian consequences. The United Nations estimates that more than 6.3 million Ukrainian refugees remain abroad. Inside the country, nearly 18 million people are in need of humanitarian aid.
Neither Kyiv nor Moscow has issued a statement on whether they would attend a proposed trilateral meeting with Trump.
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The United Arab Emirate said it was dealing with missile and drone attacks from Iran for the second day in a row on Tuesday (5 May), despite denials from authorities in Tehran who threatened a "crushing response" if the UAE retaliated.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 5th of May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Iran warned Armerican forces on Monday (4 May) not to enter the Strait of Hormuz, after the U.S. said it had launched a mission to try and reopen the sea passage. Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister said there was no military solution to the Middle East conflict.
The U.S. House of Representatives approved a three‑year budget plan on Wednesday that clears the way for Congress to take up an additional $70 billion for immigration enforcement by federal agencies.
President Donald Trump cited "great progress" toward a comprehensive agreement with Iran as he announced he would briefly pause the operation to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urges China to pressure Tehran over its actions in the Hormuz.
The United Arab Emirate said it was dealing with missile and drone attacks from Iran for the second day in a row on Tuesday (5 May), despite denials from authorities in Tehran who threatened a "crushing response" if the UAE retaliated.
All remaining passengers aboard a luxury cruise ship hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak are asymptomatic, Spain’s Health Minister Mónica García said on Wednesday.
The steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art were transformed once again into the world's most prestigious runway for the 2026 Met Gala. This year’s theme, 'Costume Art,' invited guests to explore the intersection of nature, history, and the surreal under the official dress code 'Fashion Is Art'.
The 61st Venice Biennale has opened under grey skies and political tension, with disputes over Russia and Israel, resignations on the jury, and protests marking the start of one of the art world’s most high-profile events.
Ted Turner, the CNN founder who pioneered the 24-hour news cycle, has died aged 87, the network reported on Wednesday (6 May), citing a Turner Enterprises press release. He died surrounded by family.
The Secretary-General of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS), Meysam Afshar, said the organisation has documented alleged violations of international humanitarian law during the U.S.–Israel war on Iran and shared the findings with international bodies.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in Beijing on Wednesday, their first in-person talks since the U.S.-Israel war on Iran began, focusing on the fragile ceasefire and security in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Australian government will spend billions to boost national fuel stockpiles and create a permanent, state-owned strategic reserve, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced.
ITA Airways is preparing to raise ticket prices by between 5% and 10% this year as soaring fuel costs linked to the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the U.S. continue to pressure airlines worldwide.
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