The coming week could be pivotal in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is expected in Moscow midweek.

President Trump has given an ultimatum to President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia to end the war in Ukraine or face U.S. sanctions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow hoped for more peace talks with Ukraine but that the momentum of the war was in its favour, signalling no shift in his stance despite a looming sanctions deadline from Washington.