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
Doorbell camera captures gunmen opening fire on Florida home in broad daylight shooting

Doorbell Camera Records Daytime Shooting as Gunmen Fire at Florida House

<!–> Doorbell camera captures bullets hitting home Authorities are looking for the…
14-year-old girl shot, killed in Brunswick

Teenage girl tragically shot and killed in Brunswick

Police say two suspects have been arrested and charged with the murder…
CA Republican Assembly Leader's Two-State Solution Is a Gimmick We Don’t Need

California Republican Assembly Leader’s Proposal for a Two-State Solution Is an Unnecessary Gimmick

California Republicans require genuine leadership that advocates for every voter, not grandiose…
Massachusetts postal fraud investigator Scott Kelley allegedly stole more than $330K from elderly scam victims

Massachusetts Postal Fraud Investigator Accused of Stealing Over $330K from Elderly Scam Victims

A former US postal investigator, who once led the fraud department, has…
I-95 southbound crash in St. Johns County leaves Jacksonville man injured

Jacksonville Man Injured in I-95 Southbound Accident in St. Johns County

The vehicle rotated counterclockwise and overturned on its passenger side, causing the…
A walk through a Smithsonian museum reveals American genius and cruelty as Trump presses for change

Exploring a Smithsonian Museum Unveils American Innovation and Brutality Amid Trump’s Push for Change

WASHINGTON (AP) — Strolling through the heart of American heritage at the…
East Coast beaches hit with 'fecal contamination' warnings ahead of Labor Day weekend

Warnings Issued for East Coast Beaches Due to ‘Fecal Contamination’ Before Labor Day Weekend

<!–> Labor Day Gas Prices Hit Five-Year Low Unleash Prosperity’s Executive Director,…
FBI investigates college swatting hoaxes terrorizing campuses across US

FBI Probes Fake Emergency Calls Disrupting US College Campuses

College campuses nationwide experienced turmoil this week due to false active shooter…
15-year-old Alex Durante killed in double Canaryville, Chicago shooting; police speaking to person of interest

Fatal Canaryville Shooting: Daniel Navas Maiver Faces Charges in Double Homicide at 47th and Union, Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) — A 19-year-old has been charged with involvement in a…
CCSO: Man shot at Clay Electric building, pointed gun toward deputies

Incident at Clay Electric: Man Shot After Threatening Deputies with Gun

CCSO said one deputy shot toward the suspect, who was not struck…
Government shutdown looms in September as Congress returns from recess

Possible Government Shutdown in September as Congress Reconvenes

The annual spending battle will dominate Congress’ September agenda. WASHINGTON — This…
Connor Zilisch clinches 8th Xfinity Series race at Portland International Raceway

Connor Zilisch Secures His 8th Victory in the Xfinity Series at Portland International Raceway

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — For 19-year-old prodigy Connor Zilisch, Saturday night at…