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
Extra large pizza fest serves up slices from 40 different spots in LA this weekend

Indulge in LA’s Ultimate Pizza Extravaganza: 40 Pizzerias Unite for an Epic Slice Fest!

This weekend, downtown Los Angeles will transform into a pizza lover’s paradise…
'Who Killed Roxanne Sharp?' podcast helps Louisiana police arrest 4 suspects in decades-old murder

Breakthrough in Cold Case: ‘Who Killed Roxanne Sharp?’ Podcast Leads to Arrest of 4 Suspects in Louisiana Murder

Authorities in Louisiana have announced a breakthrough in the long-unsolved murder of…
JetBlue's new boarding process could make delays even worse, travelers fear

Could JetBlue’s New Boarding Process Be a Recipe for Travel Chaos?

JetBlue is set to introduce a revamped “intuitive” boarding procedure, but some…
Connecticut school system lets students hide trans status from parents, complaint claims: 'Turns the statute on its head'

Connecticut Schools Allegedly Allow Students to Conceal Gender Identity from Parents, Sparking Controversy

WASHINGTON — On Friday, a prestigious school district in Connecticut faced a…
Grinning suspect cuffed after alleged fiery street takeover, drag race caught on camera

Grinning Suspect Arrested Following Fiery Street Takeover and Drag Race Caught on Camera

An alleged accomplice in a chaotic drag-racing event was led from his…
Zodiac Killer may be tied to Black Dahlia case after ‘code cracked,’ new suspect emerges

Groundbreaking DNA Revelations in Zodiac and Gilgo Beach Killer Cases: Unveiling Connections and New Leads

The mystery surrounding the Zodiac Killer, a figure that has long puzzled…
Passport to Illinois Part 3: Touring Cantigny, Haymarket Martyrs Monument and more

Explore Illinois: Discover Cantigny Park, Haymarket Martyrs Monument & More on Your Ultimate Passport Adventure

CHICAGO — As the United States gears up to celebrate its 250th…
'Thank God': Israeli PM Netanyahu Shares for the First Time That He Had Treatment for Cancer

Israeli PM Netanyahu Reveals Cancer Treatment Journey: “Thank God

On Friday, Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu disclosed that his latest medical report…
Antioch, California shooting: Bodycam video shows police officer stuck inside robbery suspect's getaway car

Heart-Pounding Bodycam Footage: Antioch Officer Trapped in Robbery Suspect’s Escaping Vehicle

In a dramatic turn of events, the city of Antioch, California, has…
UC Berkeley slammed after anti-Israel group hosts failed suicide bomber as guest event speaker: 'cesspool'

UC Berkeley Faces Backlash Over Controversial Event Featuring Former Failed Suicide Bomber as Speaker

The University of California, Berkeley’s law school recently hosted a Palestinian Political…
US special forces soldier charged with using secret intel to win $400K on Maduro raid unmasked as he's granted bond

Unveiled: US Special Forces Soldier Exploits Secret Intel for $400K Maduro Raid – Faces Charges

On Friday, a member of the U.S. special forces received bond after…
Elon Musk and Sam Altman head to court with tough judge who took on Apple firing warning shot at billionaires

Elon Musk and Sam Altman Face Court Proceedings with Noted Judge Known for Challenging Apple, Signaling a Stark Message to Billionaires

In the heart of Silicon Valley, some of the tech world’s most…