Witkoff made 'great progress' in talks with Putin on ending Ukraine war: Trump
KREMLIN MAY HALT LONG-RANGE STRIKES
However, Trump provided no specific details about what was discussed or agreed upon during the meeting. Russia, so far, has not shifted its key war objectives or shown any signs of making concessions.In recent days, some unconfirmed reports have claimed that the Kremlin may be considering a halt to long-range missile strikes from both sides as an initial gesture to open negotiations. It remains unclear whether that proposal was part of the conversation during the Witkoff-Putin meeting.Putin's foreign policy aide, Yuri Ushakov, described the talks as "useful and constructive.""We sent certain messages particularly on the Ukraine issue. Some messages were also received from President Trump," Ushakov told reporters in Moscow.Russian news agencies said Witkoff left Moscow on Wednesday evening after being seen walking through a Central Park earlier that day alongside Kirill Dmitriev, a Kremlin envoy who has been involved in several earlier rounds of backchannel diplomacy.Witkoff had visited Moscow four times before, but this was his first trip since Trump toughened his stance on the Kremlin after a series of Russian missile strikes on Kyiv that killed civilians. Following strikes, Trump accused Russia of committing atrocities and shortened an earlier 50-day deadline for peace progress.Following the meeting, Zelenskiy had a call with Trump, joined by European allies. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Wednesday that Russia seemed "more inclined" to a ceasefire."Ukraine will definitely defend its independence. We all need a lasting and reliable peace. Russia must end the war that it itself started," Zelenskiy said on X.INDIA'S STERN RESPONSE TO TRUMP'S 50% TARIFFadvertisementMeanwhile, despite claiming progress in the talks with Russia, Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday imposing an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports. The move follows India's continued purchase of Russian oil, which the US has warned could trigger secondary sanctions on countries seen to be aiding Russia's wartime economy.India's Ministry of External Affairs lambasted the move, calling it "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable"."It is extremely unfortunate that the US should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest," the ministry said in a statement.The White House confirmed that secondary sanctions targeting countries that support Russian energy exports remain scheduled for Friday. A senior administration official said, "The meeting with Russia and special envoy Witkoff went well. The Russians are eager to continue engaging with the United States. The secondary sanctions are still expected to be implemented on Friday."- EndsWith inputs from agenciesTune InMust Watch
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