President Donald Trump has given Russia until Friday to end its war in Ukraine or face “very severe tariffs” and a new wave of sanctions designed to cripple its oil trade and financial lifelines. Yet,

Despite President Trump's threat of sweeping sanctions, expectations for a ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv are muted.

Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow on Wednesday, 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.