Trump announces trip from Witkoff to Russia and new sanctions

Trump announces trip from Witkoff to Russia and new sanctions

President Donald Trump announced that his special envoy Steve Witkoff will travel to Russia in the coming days, while Trump calls for an immediate stop of the conflict in Ukraine. This unexpected announcement made Trump on Thursday during an event in the White House, where he also announced that he would impose new sanctions against Moscow and to describe Russia's continuing attacks on Kiev as "disgusting".

Details on the journey of Steve Witkoff

"He will go to Russia, whether they believe it or not," said Trump, when he was interviewed after Witkoff's current stay in the Middle East, where he talks to officials about the war in Gaza. Further information on Witkoff's upcoming trip to Russia was initially not announced.

past encounters between Trump and Putin

Witkoff had last visited Russia in April when he met President Vladimir Putin in Kremlin. However, these conversations did not immediately lead to a breakthrough to terminate the Ukraine War. Since then, Trump's frustration towards Putin has increased because the prospects for peace are becoming weaker and weaker.

Trump comments on the situation in Ukraine

On Thursday, Trump let his anger run free when he was asked about Ukraine after Moscow's youngest rocket and drone attacks. "I think what you do is disgusting. I think it's disgusting," he said.

new sanctions against Russia

Although Trump confirmed that he wanted to impose new sanctions against Russia - a step that he had previously threatened if Moscow did not agree to a peace agreement until next week - he also played the effects of these sanctions on the course of the war and Putin.

"Yes, we will impose sanctions," he said. "I don't know if sanctions are bothering him. You know about sanctions. I know better than anyone else with sanctions, tariffs and all of this. I don't know if that has any effects, but we'll do it."