Kremlin Prepares for Key Talks as Ukraine Conflict Escalates

Moscow — The Kremlin confirmed on Monday that it is preparing for “important, substantial and helpful” discussions with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, ahead of Trump’s Friday deadline to impose new sanctions on Russia unless progress is made on a peace deal with Ukraine.

Trump announced that Witkoff will likely arrive in Moscow on Wednesday or Thursday, where he is expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in a renewed push for a ceasefire. However, peace remains elusive as Moscow intensifies its military campaign and Kyiv refuses to accept what it calls Russia’s “old ultimatums.”

Peace Talks Stalled

Three rounds of peace negotiations in Istanbul have failed, with Moscow demanding Ukraine surrender more territory and renounce Western alliances, including its ambition to join NATO. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continues to call for an immediate ceasefire and urged allies last week to push for “regime change” in Russia.

Putin insists he wants peace but has reiterated demands that Ukraine and its allies deem unacceptable, particularly Russia’s claim to four annexed Ukrainian regions and NATO disengagement.

Tensions Rise Over Nuclear Posturing

Adding to global concern, Trump recently claimed that two U.S. nuclear submarines have been deployed to the region following an online altercation with former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev. The former U.S. leader did not clarify whether the submarines were nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed.

In response, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov urged restraint, warning that “everyone should be very, very cautious with nuclear rhetoric.” Ukraine’s top presidential aide Andriy Yermak backed Trump’s stance, claiming it had already silenced aggressive Russian voices.

Sanctions and Global Trade at Risk

Trump has threatened additional sanctions against Moscow, including potential secondary tariffs targeting Russia’s remaining trade partners such as China and India—a move that could have far-reaching economic consequences worldwide.

Putin and Witkoff have met several times before, although efforts to mend U.S.-Russia ties under Trump’s leadership had previously stalled.

When asked what Russia must do to avoid sanctions, Trump responded, “Yeah, get a deal where people stop getting killed.”

Violence Continues on the Ground

As diplomatic tensions rise, fighting on the battlefield continues unabated. Kyiv reported downing dozens of Russian drones overnight, while Moscow claimed similar success. Russia launched record drone attacks on Ukraine last month, intensifying pressure on Ukrainian cities as talks falter.

In the southern Zaporizhzhia region, four civilians were killed in Russian strikes on Monday. Another person died in shelling in Kherson. Meanwhile, Zelensky visited troops near the front lines in Kharkiv, awarding medals and posting video footage of his visit.

Read more: Nuclear Submarines Deployed as U.S.–Russia Standoff Grows

Ukraine and Russia are also reportedly working on a new prisoner exchange deal, which could see 1,200 Ukrainian troops return home, following the latest negotiations in Istanbul.