Witkoff scrambles for peace deal with Russia as sanctions loom targeting India, China
Share this @internewscast.com

White House representative Steve Witkoff is set for a mission to Russia on Wednesday, just two days before President Donald Trump’s August 8th deadline for Moscow to agree to a ceasefire or face severe sanctions.

This expedited deadline, which Trump shortened by almost a month after initially giving Russian President Vladimir Putin a 50-day deadline in mid-July, has barely reduced the Kremlin’s aggressive actions in Ukraine.

If a peace agreement is not achieved by Friday, one of Russia’s key exports will become the main focus, as the U.S. plans to impose 100% sanctions on countries purchasing Russian oil, aiming to cut off the economic support of Russia’s military ventures.

Steve Witkoff heads to Moscow.

Steve Witkoff, U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, during an executive order signing ceremony in the Oval Office of the White House on February 3, 2025. (Chris Kleponis/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

On Monday, Randhir Jaiswal, a spokesperson for India’s foreign ministry, stated that after Russia’s invasion and subsequent Western resistance to Russian oil, the U.S. allegedly urged India to import Russian gas to help stabilize the global energy markets.

But it is not just financial aid that India is accused of being involved in when it comes to Russia’s war in Ukraine. 

Ukraine on Tuesday said it had found “Indian-made components in Russian attack drones – including the Shahed/Geran models.”

“Russia should not have access to foreign parts that enable its weaponry and the resulting deaths of Ukrainians,” Andriy Yermak, presidential chief of staff, expressed on X.

These drones have infamously been used to not only hit military points along the front lines in Ukraine, but have routinely targeted Ukrainian civilians, including in a series of overnight strikes. 

“Last night, the Russians launched a ballistic missile and nearly 50 UAVs against Ukraine, most of them Russian-Iranian ‘shaheds,'” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Tuesday. “Many drones were shot down by our defenders, but unfortunately, there were hits.”

Zelenskyy confirmed that one person was killed and 10 were injured, including two children, after 25 shahed drones pounded the city of Lozova in the Kharkiv region.

The Zaporizhzhia, Odesa and Sumy regions were also struck, and two others were apparently injured. 

Putin Modi India BRICS

Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, on Oct. 22, 2024. (Alexander Zemlianichenko/Pool via Reuters)

“Once again, the Russian army is hunting civilians in an attempt to terrorize frontline cities and communities,” Zelenskyy said. 

Despite concerns that sanctions could have little effect on Putin’s war ambitions, Zelenskyy argued they could “contribute” to ending the war. 

“The world now sees that sanctions against Russia, and secondary sanctions against all those who help it profiteer from oil, can work if they are strong enough,” he said. “Therefore, pressure must be increased, and this will undoubtedly contribute to peace.”

Fox News Digital could not immediately reach the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C., or Witkoff’s team for comment. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Czech deputy PM laughs off Hillary Clinton’s ‘unhinged’ reaction to his Trump defense

Czech Deputy PM Dismisses Hillary Clinton’s ‘Unhinged’ Response to Trump Defense: A Diplomatic Exchange Unfolds

During the weekend gathering at the Munich Security Conference, Hillary Clinton was…
Newsom’s UK clean energy pact ripped for ‘insanity,’ as critics question effectiveness 

California Governor Newsom’s UK Clean Energy Agreement Faces Backlash Over Feasibility Concerns

Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent clean energy agreement is facing sharp criticism, with…
What to know about Nancy Guthrie's family as sheriff says 'everybody's still a suspect'

New Breakthrough: Nancy Guthrie’s Family Officially Ruled Out in Mysterious Disappearance Case

In an important development concerning the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, Pima County…
Long Island Rep Laura Gillen faces uphill battle in Primary after voting for ICE funding

Long Island Showdown: Can Rep. Laura Gillen Overcome Backlash for Supporting ICE Funding?

Long Island Representative Laura Gillen is encountering a primary challenge within the…
Billie Eilish Says ‘No One Is Illegal’ — But Her Gates Say Otherwise

Billie Eilish’s Home Security Sparks Debate Amidst ‘No One Is Illegal’ Stance

Billie Eilish’s recent comments at the Grammys were intended to make a…
Jets Mailbag: Outside of getting QB right, what must Aaron Glenn do to remain coach in 2027?

Jets Mailbag: Beyond Securing the Quarterback Position, What Steps Must Aaron Glenn Take to Ensure His Coaching Role Through 2027?

With Super Bowl LX fading into the rearview mirror, the focus shifts…
Abduction of 10 Mexican miners during wave of cartel violence casts doubts over president's safety claims

Ten Mexican Miners Abducted Amid Escalating Cartel Violence, Raising Questions on Presidential Security Assurances

CONCORDIA, Mexico — Nestled within the coastal mountains overlooking the shimmering Pacific…
Drunken Texas dad describes how he killed daughter following fight about President Trump: 'It went off'

Tragic Turn: Texas Father’s Fatal Argument Over Trump Leads to Unthinkable Act

Intense body camera visuals have unveiled the harrowing sequence of events in…
Student in custody, another hospitalized after being cut with knife on school bus in Northwest Jacksonville

Northwest Jacksonville School Bus Stabbing: Student Arrested, Another Hospitalized in Knife Attack

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has assured the public that, despite the ongoing…
NYC Health Department staffer wished Israelis were wiped off Earth in vile resurfaced X post: report

NYC Health Department Employee’s Controversial Social Media Post About Israelis Sparks Outrage

A troubling social media post by a long-time New York City Health…
Billboard targeting James Charles reignites sexual misconduct accusations

Explosive Billboard Sparks Renewed Allegations Against Influencer James Charles

In Los Angeles, a new billboard has emerged, bringing back to public…
Multiple people shot at Rhode Island ice rink, suspect dead: report

Rhode Island Ice Rink Shooting: Multiple Injured, Suspect Confirmed Dead

close Video Fox News Flash brings you today’s top stories. Visit FoxNews.com…