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
Carrie Coon explained health scare that prompted cancelations ahead of 'Bug' Broadway debut

Carrie Coon Reveals Health Scare Behind ‘Bug’ Broadway Debut Postponement: What Happened and What’s Next

The show went ahead as scheduled, even after a concerning incident. NEW…
Minneapolis posts anti-ICE video promoting 'peaceful protest' and unity

Minneapolis Releases Video Advocating Peaceful Protest and Unity in Stance Against ICE

On Friday, Minneapolis released a video urging peaceful demonstrations and solidarity amid…
Lindsey Graham speaks against pending execution of 26-year-old Iranian protester: 'This regime must fall'

Senator Lindsey Graham Condemns Iran’s Execution Plans for Young Protester: Calls for Regime Change

Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, has issued a strong…
Florida woman, 81, arrested in murder-for-hire plot after sharing plan with undercover detective, sheriff says

Florida Senior’s Shocking Murder-for-Hire Scheme Uncovered by Undercover Detective: Arrest Made

An 81-year-old woman from Florida found herself in handcuffs on Friday, accused…
Surgeon ex in Ohio dentist murders job hopped across country, dodged lawsuits after divorce

Ohio Dentist Murder Case: Surgeon Ex Spanned the Nation, Evading Lawsuits Post-Divorce

For nearly a decade following his divorce, Michael McKee, a skilled medical…
Democratic Socialists of America in NYC training thousands of activists to counter ICE: report

Report: NYC’s Democratic Socialists of America Mobilize Thousands of Activists in Campaign Against ICE

The New York City branch of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)…
Knicks lose to Suns on alumni night, drop 8th game in last 10

Knicks Fall to Suns on Alumni Night, Marking Eighth Loss in Ten Games

On Saturday, with just over nine minutes left in the final quarter,…
Europe warns of 'dangerous downward spiral' after Trump threatens tariffs over Greenland

Europe on Alert: Trump’s Greenland Tariff Threat Sparks Alarming Economic Spiral

BERLIN — On Sunday, eight European nations criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s…
Skokie fire: Family with newborn baby displaced after house fire on North Kostner Avenue in Skokie, Mohammed Fayyaz says

Skokie Fire Displaces Family with Newborn on North Kostner Avenue, Reports Mohammed Fayyaz

A devastating house fire has left a family, including a newborn, without…
FBI Most Wanted fugitive captured in Mexico after 10 years on run

Fugitive on FBI’s Most Wanted List Nabbed in Mexico After Decade-Long Escape

After nearly a decade on the run, one of the FBI’s Most…
Suzanna's Kitchen recalls 13,000 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken in 7 states over Listeria concerns

Urgent Recall: Suzanna’s Kitchen Pulls 13,000 Pounds of Chicken in 7 States Due to Listeria Alert

Listeria is ranked as the third most deadly foodborne illness in the…
Anti-ICE mob storms Minnesota church over pastor's alleged ties to immigration enforcement

Protest Erupts in Minnesota Church Over Pastor’s Alleged Immigration Connections

On a recent Sunday in St. Paul, Minnesota, a group of protesters…