New sanctions against Russia will still kick in on Friday, the White House said, even as President Donald Trump praised a meeting between US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin as “highly productive” on Wednesday.

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff held "useful and constructive" talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, a Kremlin aide said, two days before a deadline set by President Donald Trump for Russia to agree to peace in Ukraine or face new sanctions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is hosting U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff for talks, days before the White House’s deadline for Russia to reach a peace deal with Ukraine or potentially face severe economic penalties that