Trump's envoy expected in Russia ahead of Ukraine deadline

US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is expected to visit Russia on August 6, the Russian state news agency has informed, citing sources in both Moscow and Washington.

The visit comes as Trump has set a Friday (August 8) deadline for Russia to agree to end the war in Ukraine or face fresh sanctions, Caliber.Az reports.

Trump has imposed a new deadline of 10 to 12 days for Russia to show progress towards ending the war in Ukraine, warning of potential sanctions on both Moscow and buyers of its exports.

The announcement, made during meetings with European leaders in Scotland, shortens a 50-day deadline he set earlier this month, reflecting mounting frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the 3½-year-old conflict.

Trump’s comments come amid stalled diplomatic efforts and signal a readiness to act after earlier reluctance to follow through on threats. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev accused Trump of playing “a game of ultimatums” that could risk direct conflict with the United States.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed Trump’s remarks, calling them “particularly significant” and timely for advancing peace talks. Zelenskyy thanked Trump for focusing on “saving lives and stopping this horrible war.”

By Aghakazim Guliyev