Russian President Vladimir Putin is hosting U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff for talks, days before the White House’s deadline for Russia to reach a peace deal with Ukraine or potentially face severe economic penalties that could also hit countries buying its oil.

The Russian president and Trump emissary held talks in Moscow days before the White House deadline for Russia to reach a peace deal with Ukraine.

President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Moscow on Wednesday ahead of expected talks with the Russian leadership, Russian state media reported.