Russian President Vladimir Putin met in the Kremlin for around three hours with Steve Witkoff, the U.S. President’s special envoy, in a high-stakes diplomatic effort just two days before a critical August 8 ceasefire deadline set by President Donald Trump.
“Useful and Constructive” Dialogue, Kremlin Says
A senior Kremlin aide, Yuri Ushakov, described the session as “very useful and constructive,” noting that both sides exchanged diplomatic “signals” on Ukraine and broader bilateral cooperation. No formal deal emerged, and specific proposals were not publicly disclosed.
“On our part, in particular on the Ukrainian issue, some signals were transmitted. Corresponding signals were also received from President Trump,” Ushakov said.
Strategic Context: Peace or Sanctions
Witkoff’s visit marks his fifth to Russia since Trump’s second term began. His mission came amid mounting pressure from Trump—who threatened new sanctions and tariffs on Russia and even secondary penalties targeting countries like India and China if Russia did not agree to a ceasefire.
Reuters reports that Trump has demanded Ukraine’s neutrality, NATO non-expansion, protection for Russian speakers, and recognition of Moscow-controlled territories—all points Moscow has insisted upon for several years.
Moratorium on Airstrikes Considered
Officials suggest the Kremlin may have floated a limited proposal: a temporary moratorium on airstrikes, an idea previously mentioned by Belarusian President Lukashenko. If agreed, it would represent a modest concession rather than the full ceasefire demanded by Washington and Kyiv.
Standoff or Starved Diplomacy?
While Russia appears unmoved, analysts see the meeting as a last-ditch diplomatic effort to allow Moscow face-saving options before sanctions hit:
“The visit of Witkoff is a last-ditch effort to find a face-saving solution for both sides,” said geopolitical analyst Gerhard Mangott. “I don’t think there will be any compromise beyond what Russia has already demanded.”
Kremlin sources say Putin is skeptical that additional sanctions will change the outcome, believing Ukraine gains and Russian war aims remain achievable even under economic pressure.
Diplomatic Welcomes and Symbolic Walks
Witkoff was greeted at the airport by Kirill Dmitriev, Russia’s presidential envoy for investment and economic cooperation. The two took a stroll near the Kremlin before the formal meeting. Dmitriev later shared on social media: “Dialogue will prevail.”
