Diplomatic Tango in Moscow: The Witkoff Visit

Former President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, has arrived in Moscow, as reported by Russian state-owned media. This high-profile visit comes just days before the deadline set by the White House for Russia to negotiate a peace deal with Ukraine. Failure to comply could result in severe economic sanctions.

Witkoff was spotted at Moscow's Zaryadye Park near the Kremlin alongside Kirill Dmitriev, known for his role in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. Discussions between Russian and US officials have continued in Istanbul. While his meeting with President Vladimir Putin remains unconfirmed, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov regards the visit as important and potentially fruitful.

Trump has threatened significant penalties, including tariffs, should Russia not comply. Despite Trump's demands, no shift in Kremlin's stance is evident, and the diplomatic deadlock persists, while Ukraine continues facing territorial losses. The prospect of sanctions targeting Russia and its oil trading partners looms, as Ukraine pushes for stronger measures against Moscow.

(With inputs from agencies.)