Donald Trump has declared Russia an “extraordinary threat” to the United States after his envoy Steve Witkoff held three-hour talks with Vladimir Putin in Moscow. The US president also issued an executive order imposing a 25% tariff on India over its purchases of Russian oil, a move India called “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable”.
Trump is reportedly planning a face-to-face meeting with Putin as early as next week, which would be their first summit since 2018. The Kremlin confirmed the talks were “useful and constructive”, with both sides exchanging signals, though details were not disclosed.
The White House stated that Russia’s actions in Ukraine pose an ongoing threat to US national security, requiring stronger measures. Trump has threatened harsh economic sanctions and tariffs on nations buying Russian oil and gas, as the deadline for Putin to end the war approaches.
Trump expressed frustration with Putin’s resistance to peace efforts, saying: “We thought we had the war settled numerous times, and then Putin goes out and starts launching rockets into Kyiv.” The US approved $200 million in additional military sales to Ukraine following a call between Trump and President Zelensky.
