(MENAFN) US President Donald Trump’s designated representative, Steve Witkoff, reached Moscow on Wednesday—just 48 hours before a crucial deadline for Russia to consent to a truce with Ukraine or confront additional economic penalties.

According to an official Russian news service, Witkoff landed at Vnukovo Airport in the early morning hours, where he was welcomed by Kirill Dmitriev.

Dmitriev serves as an assistant to Russian President Vladimir Putin and also leads the Russian Direct Investment Fund.

Following his arrival, Witkoff and Dmitriev were seen walking together in Zaryadye Park, a public space adjacent to Moscow’s iconic Red Square.

This marks Witkoff’s fifth mission to Russia since the beginning of the year.

His two most recent visits occurred in April, during which he also held discussions with President Putin.

On Tuesday, the Kremlin did not dismiss the potential of another direct encounter between Putin and Witkoff later this week.

The Kremlin described its engagements with Witkoff as “important, meaningful, and very useful.”

Witkoff’s current journey coincides with a fast-approaching 10-day ultimatum issued by Trump, urging Russia to finalize a ceasefire arrangement with Ukraine by August 8.

Back in June, Trump established a 50-day timeframe for Moscow and Kyiv to secure a deal, warning that otherwise, punitive tariffs as high as 100% could be imposed on Russia and its commercial allies.

Then, on July 29, Trump made public his decision to shorten the timeline to 10 days due to his growing "disappointment" with Putin’s actions.

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