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
Sheriff slams law enforcement agencies for releasing illegal immigrant who allegedly hit Ohio nurse

Sheriff Criticizes Law Enforcement Agencies Over Release of Undocumented Immigrant Accused in Ohio Nurse Incident

In a recent incident that has sparked outrage, an Ohio sheriff criticized…
US passenger goes missing while on shore during Caribbean cruise

Unraveling the Mystery: Latest Developments in US Cruise Passenger’s Disappearance in the Caribbean

The perplexing case of a missing American tourist on a Caribbean island…
2 National Guard members shot in an ambush attack blocks from the White House

Suspect in National Guard Shooting Charged with First-Degree Murder Following Death; Second Victim Remains Critical

The charges against a 29-year-old former CIA collaborator in Afghanistan have been…
Indiana Republican's Problematic Remark About Trump, How He's Voting on State Redistricting

Indiana Republican’s Controversial Comment on Trump and Its Impact on State Redistricting Vote

Indiana’s legislature is currently debating a redistricting proposal that could potentially bolster…
Russia outlaws Human Rights Watch as crackdown on dissent continues

Russia Bans Human Rights Watch: Escalating Clampdown on Free Speech and Dissent

On Friday, Russian authorities declared Human Rights Watch as an “undesirable organization.”…
American tourist found stabbed to death in Tobago

American Tourist Tragically Discovered Fatally Stabbed in Tobago

Local authorities have reported the death of an American man found with…
Cheerleader who died aboard Carnival cruise ship cremated, death certificate reveals

Tragic Cruise Incident: Cheerleader’s Brave Battle Sparks Federal Investigation into Stepbrother

The tragic death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner aboard a Carnival Cruise ship…
American cruise ship passenger Ann Evans found after going missing on island tour

Missing American Cruise Passenger Ann Evans Safely Located After Island Tour Disappearance

An American woman who went missing after not returning to a Holland…
Pro-Palestinian agitators storm popular fashion store in Manhattan on Black Friday, 4 arrested: NYPD

Black Friday Chaos: Pro-Palestinian Protesters Clash at Iconic Manhattan Fashion Store

The New York City Police Department (NYPD) reported the arrest of at…
Driver carjacked in West Village by machete-wielding muggers

Driver Victimized by Machete-Wielding Assailants in West Village Carjacking

A man, aged 27, experienced a terrifying carjacking in downtown Manhattan when…
Pei-Yun Chung: 'Dine-and-dash diva' accused of skipping out on bills at high-end Brooklyn, New York City restaurants

Brooklyn’s ‘Dine-and-Dash Diva’ Allegedly Leaves High-End Eateries Without Paying

NEW YORK — A social media influencer, notorious for allegedly evading payments…
Multiple victims with gunshot wounds at Valley Fair Mall in California on Black Friday: police

Gunfire Erupts at California’s Valley Fair Mall on Black Friday, Police Report Multiple Injuries

A shooting at Westfield Valley Fair Mall in San Jose, California, has…