Pakistan, Aug. 6 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin met with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow on Wednesday. The Kremlin described the talks as "constructive" and "useful." The meeting lasted three hours and took place two days before the US sanctions deadline. The US wants Russia to halt its Ukraine offensive or face new penalties by Friday.

US President Donald Trump had promised to end the conflict quickly but so far talks have stalled. Three rounds of peace talks in Istanbul have failed to produce a ceasefire agreement. Russia has increased drone and missile attacks on Ukraine while advancing on the ground. Putin and Witkoff exchanged signals on their positions but gave no further details.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volod...