US President set deadline for Russia to reach ceasefire or face sanctions. Putin meets with Trump’s envoy after ultimatum on Ukraine war. Russian President Vladimir Putin is meeting with the US Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff, as reported by Russian state media, citing the country’s government. Witkoff arrived at the Kremlin Palace in Moscow on Wednesday in a last-minute mission to seek progress in the Ukraine war, two days before the deadline established by President Donald Trump for Russia to agree to peace or face new sanctions. The envoy was welcomed by Kirill Dmitriev, Russia’s investment envoy and head of the sovereign fund. State media showed the two walking together in a park near the Kremlin, engaged in an intense conversation.
