The Kremlin said Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow on Wednesday, days before the White House’s deadline for Russia to reach a peace deal with Ukraine or potentially face severe economic penalties that could also hit countries buying its oil.

The Kremlin did not immediately provide more details of the meeting.

Earlier, Witkoff took an early morning stroll through Zaryadye Park, a stone's throw from the Kremlin, with Kirill Dmitriev, the Russian president's envoy for investment and economic cooperation.

Trump has given Russia until Friday to halt its military operations or face new penalties.

The White House has not outlined specific actions it plans to take on Friday, but Trump has previously threatened to impose "secondary tariffs" that could affect Russia's trading partners.

The move would aim to stifle Russian exports, but would risk significant international disruption.

Trump said on Tuesday that he would await the outcome of the Moscow talks before moving forward with any economic retaliation.

"We're going to see what happens," he told reporters. "We'll make that determination at that time." (Agencies)
_____________________________
Last updated: 2025-08-06 HKT 17:42