Don's deadline for Russia looms but Putin unruffled

Trump says Russians are wily characters, know how to avoid sanctions

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The coming week could mark a pivotal moment in the war between Russia and Ukraine, as U.S. President Donald Trump's deadline for the Kremlin to reach a peace deal approaches — or it could quietly pass without consequence.

Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff was expected in Moscow midweek, just before Trump's Friday deadline for the Kremlin to stop the killing or face potentially severe economic penalties from Washington.

So far Trump's promises, threats and cajoling have failed to shift the Kremlin's position, and the stubborn diplomatic stalemate remains in place.

Meanwhile, Ukraine is losing more territory on the front line, although there is no sign of a looming collapse of its defenses.

Witkoff is expected to land in the Russian capital on Wednesday or Thursday, according to Trump, following his trip to Israel and Gaza.