Vladimir Putin has met with US special envoy Steve Witkoff as President Trump's deadline for ending the Ukraine conflict fast approaches.
The grinning Russian leader could be seen shaking hands with the US president's trusted representative at the Kremlin on Wednesday morning.
It comes as the US has threatened 'severe tariffs' and other economic penalties if the Putin does not put an end to the conflict by Friday.
This would be the first concession granted by Russia since the conflict began three and a half years ago, it if transpires.
Trump has become increasingly frustrated with the Kremlin in recent weeks amid escalating strikes on civilian areas of Ukraine.
