US Special Representative Steve Witkoff arrived in Moscow days ahead of a White House deadline for Russia to reach a peace deal with Ukraine or face severe economic sanctions.
Mr Vitkoff was spotted strolling early in the morning through Zaryadye Park, near the Kremlin, with Kirill Dmitriev, the Russian president's special representative for investment and economic cooperation.
In recent months, Mr. Dmitriev has played a major role in direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul, as well as in discussions between Russian and American officials.
Moscow has not yet confirmed whether Mr Witkoff will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov praised Mr. Vitkoff's visit. “We consider (the talks with Vitkoff) significant, meaningful and very useful,” he said.
Donald Trump's deadline for Putin expires Friday, with Washington threatening “harsh tariffs” and other economic sanctions if violence in Ukraine does not stop.
For now, Mr Trump's promises, threats and cajoling have failed to change the Kremlin's position, and the tense diplomatic impasse remains.
Meanwhile, Ukraine is losing more and more territory on the front line, although there are no signs of its defense collapsing.
Trump initially gave Moscow a 50-day deadline, but later extended the ultimatum as the Kremlin continued to bomb Ukrainian cities.
The threat of sanctions could include additional restrictions aimed at undermining Russia's economy, as well as secondary duties aimed at countries that buy Russian oil, including China and India.
But Mr Trump said on Sunday that Russia had demonstrated it was “pretty good at avoiding sanctions”.
“They are a cunning people,” he noted of the Russians.
The Kremlin says international sanctions imposed after the February 2022 invasion of the neighboring country have had limited effect.
Ukraine insists sanctions are hurting Moscow's military capabilities and is calling on Western allies to strengthen them. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday called on the United States, Europe and other countries to impose tougher secondary sanctions on Moscow's energy, trade and banking sectors.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
