Putin taps key allies ahead of Trump summit, sanctions deadline

Key Points

• Russian President Vladimir Putin held consultations with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of a summit with US President Donald Trump.
• The US threatened crippling new economic sanctions targeting Russia's trading partners if Moscow does not halt its Ukraine offensive by a deadline.
• Trump has sought to broker peace in Ukraine but efforts have not led to a breakthrough as Russia continues its offensive.
• China and India have maintained their engagement with Russia, rejecting calls to end oil and gas purchases despite US tariffs and pressure.