Washington, Aug 4
US President Donald Trump confirmed that his special envoy Steve Witkoff is to visit Russia next week, amid heightened tensions over the US sanctions deadline.
Addressing reporters in New Jersey on Sunday, the US President said, "But Steve is focused right now on the border, in terms of we're talking about with Gaza getting people fed, and he may be going, I think next week, Wednesday or Thursday, maybe going to Russia. They would like to see him. They've asked that he meet. So, we'll see what happens."
Trump also confirmed that Russia could face sanctions by August 9 if an agreement is not reached on resolving the Ukraine crisis.
"But they seem to be pretty good at avoiding sanctions," he added.
Responding to a question on whether there was anything Russia could do to avoid sanctions, the US President said that it would require "a deal where people stop getting killed."
The upcoming visit of the US Special Presidential Envoy, Steve Witkoff, comes at a time when tensions between Washington and Moscow are escalating.