A high-stakes meeting is underway in Moscow, where U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is sitting face-to-face with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The talks, confirmed by Russian media, come at a critical moment — just days before a ceasefire deadline set by Donald Trump, who has warned of crippling sanctions if Russia fails to halt its war in Ukraine.
Witkoff’s surprise arrival in Moscow on Wednesday signals a possible diplomatic opening. Yet hopes are dim. Despite mounting international pressure, Russia has intensified its airstrikes on Ukrainian cities — a clear indication that peace may still be a distant dream.
President Trump has been firm: end this “horrible war” or face economic isolation. That message carries a sharper edge this time — not only could Russia face tougher sanctions, but secondary sanctions could be imposed on any nation still trading with Moscow.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who continues to lead a nation battered by war, has said Russia will only consider peace once it begins to feel the financial squeeze. “They’ll move only when the money stops flowing,” he stated, expressing hope that stronger U.S. measures could finally push the Kremlin toward ending the violence.
Still, there’s little optimism for a breakthrough before Friday. Previous peace talks in Istanbul have collapsed, and Moscow’s current demands remain non-negotiable for Kyiv and its Western allies. The Kremlin also refuses to engage in direct dialogue with Zelensky, further stalling any meaningful peace progress.
Meanwhile, the U.S. is standing by Ukraine militarily. Following a recent phone call between Trump and Zelensky, Washington approved an additional $200 million in arms sales. The two leaders also discussed expanding drone production — a technology Ukraine has used to strike Russian refineries and infrastructure.
Russia, in turn, has intensified air attacks on Ukrainian population centers. The deadliest strike on Kyiv since the invasion began last week claimed its 32nd victim, after a wounded man succumbed to injuries. And in Zaporizhzhia, a holiday camp was bombed, leaving two dead and 12 injured. Zelensky, visibly shaken, condemned the act.
“There’s no military purpose in bombing a children’s camp,” he said. “It’s pure cruelty, meant to terrorize and demoralize.”
As the world watches and waits, the looming question remains: Will this war finally see a turning point — or is peace still out of reach?
