Russian President Vladimir Putin is pushing for urgent talks with US President Donald Trump as Russian and Chinese forces carry out large-scale joint military exercises in the Sea of Japan.
Footage from the “Maritime Interaction-2025” drills shows Russian and Chinese naval units—including a major Russian anti-submarine ship, two Chinese destroyers, and submarines from both sides—conducting operations in what observers say is a pointed show of force aimed at the West.
The Kremlin has reportedly requested a meeting with Trump’s special envoy ahead of sweeping new sanctions that could target not just Moscow, but also countries that continue to buy Russian oil.
Trump confirmed on Monday that his envoy, Steve Witkoff, will travel to Russia later this week, following what he called a “specific request” from Moscow. Speaking to reporters, Trump also disclosed that two US nuclear submarines have been deployed “closer to Russia” and are now “where they have to be.”
“Russia is losing a tremendous number of soldiers,” Trump said, referring to the ongoing war in Ukraine. “And likewise Ukraine—a lower number but still thousands and thousands of people. Somehow we are going to get that war stopped.”
He suggested Putin still has a chance to avoid tougher sanctions if both sides can “get a deal” to halt the fighting. “They would like to see [Witkoff]. They have asked that he meet, so we’ll see what happens,” Trump said.
He admitted, however, that Moscow has proven skilled at evading restrictions. “They are wily characters and they are pretty good at avoiding sanctions. But we’ll see what happens.”
The diplomatic scramble comes amid intensified Russian strikes in Ukraine. Putin has deployed missile carriers armed with Kalibr cruise missiles into the Black Sea, while Kinzhal hypersonic missiles have reportedly been used in recent attacks.
Overnight, Russia launched Shahed drone strikes on the Black Sea port city of Odesa, destroying a marketplace and warehouses, and damaging homes and a dormitory, according to Mayor Gennady Trukhanov. In Kherson, a man was killed in a separate Russian attack on Antonivka.