Moscow, Aug 4 (AP) The upcoming week may be pivotal in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine as a deadline set by US President Donald Trump looms, compelling the Kremlin to negotiate a peace deal or face significant economic consequences.
President Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is scheduled to arrive in Moscow midweek, just in time for Trump's Friday ultimatum aimed at forcing the Kremlin to cease its military operations or endure severe sanctions from Washington.
Despite previous attempts by Trump to broker a resolution through promises, threats, and persuasion, the diplomatic impasse persists. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to lose ground on the front lines, yet there is no immediate indication of a defense collapse.
Kremlin Awaits Trump's Envoy
Witkoff is anticipated to touch down in Moscow on Wednesday or Thursday, following visits to Israel and Gaza. Trump commented that the Russians "would like to see (Witkoff)" and remarked on their request for a meeting, expressing cautious optimism about the potential outcome.
Frustrated with Russian President Vladimir Putin's disregard for his appeals to halt bombings in Ukrainian cities, Trump recently advanced his sanction ultimatum. It calls for additional penalties on Russia and secondary sanctions targeting nations purchasing Russian oil, like China and India.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed readiness to meet Trump's envoy, stating, "We are always glad to see Mr. Witkoff in Moscow. We consider the talks important, substantive, and very useful."
Uncertainty Over Sanctions
Trump acknowledged the challenges of enforcing sanctions against a nation like Russia, which he described as "pretty good at avoiding sanctions." He expressed doubt about their potential to pressure Putin.
According to the Kremlin, international sanctions imposed since the February 2022 invasion have had a limited effect. However, Ukraine maintains that they are straining Moscow's military efforts and is urging Western allies to intensify economic pressure.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for stricter sanctions on Russia's energy, trade, and banking sectors, as they are believed essential in weakening Moscow's war capacity.
The complexity of imposing secondary sanctions also strains US relations with China and India, as both are implicated in financing Russia's war through oil purchases.
Since his inauguration, Trump has realized that resolving the conflict is more complex than anticipated, with senior American officials warning of a reduced US role if peace efforts stagnate.
Putin's Staunch Stance
As Trump's deadline draws near, diplomatic tensions have heightened. Putin's recent announcement of deploying the new hypersonic missile, the Oreshnik, underscores Russia's defiance. He touted its capabilities, including its speed and destructive power, likening it to a nuclear strike.
Dmitry Medvedev, a top aide to Putin, has implied that the Ukraine war could potentially escalate into a direct conflict between Russia and the US.
In response, Trump repositioned two US nuclear submarines, reacting to what he described as Medvedev's "highly provocative statements."
Putin maintains his condition for a resolution: an agreement entirely on Russian terms and a continued military campaign until those terms are met.
Devastation on Both Sides
The ongoing conflict has claimed the lives of over 12,000 Ukrainian civilians, according to United Nations estimates, as Russian forces continue their relentless bombardment despite Trump's appeals to cease fire over the past three months.
On the extensive 1,000-kilometre front, Russia's larger army is making gradual and costly advances, aiming to seize the eastern city of Pokrovsk—a critical logistical nexus. Its capture could pave the way for deeper incursions into Ukraine.
In a strategic response, Ukraine has equipped its military with technology enabling long-range drone attacks into Russian territory. The latest assault targeted an oil depot near Sochi, on Russia's Black Sea coast, igniting a significant blaze. (AP)
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