US envoy Steve Witkoff is set to visit Moscow this week, as Trump's deadline for Russia to agree a ceasefire with Ukraine looms.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Tuesday that he had had a "productive" conversation with his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump on ending the war, sanctions on Russia and the finalisation of a U.

President Trump spoke on Tuesday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and discussed the ceasefire ultimatum Trump set for Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to Ukrainian officials. Why it matters: Trump's deadline to Putin will expire on Friday.

Negotiations on a hostage and ceasefire deal in Gaza appear to be at an impasse, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leaning towards expanded military operations and Hamas demanding the humanitarian situation be addressed before it returns to talks.

But Israeli officials have also floated ideas including expanding the military offensive in Gaza and annexing parts of the shattered enclave. The failed ceasefire talks in Doha had aimed to clinch agreements on a U.

Seizing the entire territory would reverse a 2005 decision by Israel to pull settlers and military out of Gaza while retaining control over its borders.