The U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff was in Moscow on August 6, just days short of Trump setting a deadline that could influence toppled new sanctions, one of the few available through which sanctions may be put on Russia if a ceasefire deal with Ukraine is not reached.
As Washington puts pressure on the Kremlin to reach an agreement to cease fighting before the US president’s deadline on Friday or face fresh sanctions, Russian President Vladimir Putin met Steve Witkoff, Donald Trump’s special envoy, in the Kremlin on Wednesday.
He was welcomed by Kirill Dmitriev, the head of the Russian sovereign wealth fund, as they strolled near the Kremlin in a symbolic gesture prior to serious negotiation with high-ranking Russian officials and maybe an audience with President Vladimir Putin.
Ultimatum Nears, Fate of Ceasefire Talks Hangs in Balance
The visit comes at a critical juncture-Trump having set a deadline for firm Friday (August 8) for Russia to agree to a ceasefire or face sanctions, particularly aimed at countries importing Russian exports including oil and gas. It would be Witkoff’s fifth trip to Moscow in 2025, underscoring his status as this administration`s central interlocutor in efforts to end the war in Ukraine, notwithstanding well-voiced criticisms concerning his diplomatic credentials and methodology.
In recent months, Witkoff has made four trips to Russia as part of Washington’s efforts to mend fences with Moscow. He met with Putin on February 11, March 13, and April 11 and 25.
Before the envoy’s visit, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters, “We are always pleased to see Mr Witkoff in Moscow and to be in contact with him.” “We consider these interactions important, substantive and very useful.”
Recently, Putin dismissed American annoyance about the deadlocked negotiations, claiming that it was the product of irrational expectations.
“As for any disappointment on anyone’s part, all disappointment stems from excessive expectations, as is well known,” he told reporters on August 1 during a casual meeting with Alexander Lukashenko, the president of Belarus.
