Donald Trump confirmed his special envoy Steve Witkoff will visit Russia, ahead of a deadline the U.S. president has set for Russia to agree to end the Ukraine war or face new sanctions. Witkoff is expected in Moscow in the middle of this week.

Moscow

Russian forces have invaded Ukraine from land, air and sea with strikes causing widespread damage. Global leaders have condemned the move and imposed sanctions.

Ukraine Invasion

A recent Russian drone attack caused significant damage to electronic stores and other properties in Odessa, Ukraine, though no injuries were reported. In retaliation, a Ukrainian drone attack damaged a power line and caused a fire at a train station in Russia's Volgograd region. The escalation follows Ukraine's announcement to intensify air attacks against Russia, responding to increased strikes on Ukrainian territory that have resulted in civilian casualties.

Amid these developments, the United States is stepping up diplomatic efforts, with special envoy Steve Witkoff scheduled to visit Russia in an attempt to expedite cease-fire negotiations. U.S. officials, including Donald Trump, have warned of new sanctions against Moscow if progress toward a peace deal is not made. The Kremlin has indicated openness to further talks with Witkoff, describing them as important and helpful.

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff expected to visit Russia

Some with windows blown out, others gutted by fire. These electronic stores in Odessa suffered heavy damage from a Russian drone attack overnight. By morning, business owners were working to clear the debris and salvage anything left. For many, this marketplace was their primary source of income. It used to be a shop. We sold computer equipment. It burned down completely. I have no words. I didn't expect it to be this bad. I thought there would be some damage, but for everything to burn down, I never imagined that. No one was injured in the attack, though drones also caused damage to residential buildings and cars. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian drone attack damaged a power line and sparked a fire at a train station in Russia's southern region of Volgograd, according to local authorities. Kiev has said it will intensify its air attacks against Russia in response to an increase in attacks on Ukrainian territory in recent weeks, which have killed dozens of civilians. It comes as the United States continues to put pressure on Moscow to agree to a cease-fire. Washington's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is due to visit Russia this week in a bid to expedite the process. Donald Trump has threatened new sanctions on Moscow if it does not make progress towards a peace deal. Steve Witkoff's message will be to the Russians. Is there anything they can do to avoid sanctions at this point? You've got to get a deal where people stop getting killed. They're wily characters and they're pretty good at avoiding sanctions, so we'll see what happens. Witkoff has met Russian President Vladimir Putin multiple times. On Monday, the Kremlin said another meeting was possible, and it considered talks with the special envoy to be important, substantial and helpful.

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U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff expected to visit Russia

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Ukraine Invasion