Trump Envoy Steve Witkoff Meets Putin in Moscow as U.S. Ceasefire Deadline Nears
Published : 18:21, 6 August 2025
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff met with President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on August 6, 2025, in a high-stakes diplomatic mission. The visit comes just two days before a ceasefire ultimatum imposed by President Donald Trump, who has warned that Russia must agree to halt hostilities in Ukraine or face severe sanctions targeting both Moscow and its trading partners.
This marks Witkoff’s fifth trip to Moscow in 2025, underscoring a pattern of back-channel diplomacy. Upon arrival, he was welcomed by Kirill Dmitriev, Russia’s envoy for investment and economic cooperation. The two were seen walking in Zaryadye Park near the Kremlin before Witkoff entered his closed-door meeting with Putin.
Details of the discussion remain undisclosed. However, multiple sources report that the Kremlin may offer a moratorium on airstrikes, which would stop missile and drone attacks temporarily but falls far short of the full ceasefire demanded by the U.S. and Ukraine.
Trump, increasingly frustrated by Russia’s intensified bombardment of Ukrainian civilian targets, has accused buyers of Russian oil particularly India and China of undermining U.S. pressure and has threatened to impose secondary tariffs.
Russia has officially welcomed the meeting, calling it "important, substantive and very useful," though analysts believe Putin is unlikely to yield. Trusted Kremlin insiders suggest he remains confident in Moscow’s war objectives and skeptical about the effectiveness of further sanctions.
Critics of Witkoff point to his lack of prior diplomatic experience, noting he is a real estate billionaire thrust into negotiations covering both Ukraine and Gaza. Observers say his role may mirror Kremlin talking points and that a breakthrough is unlikely at this stage.
As the August 8 deadline approaches for Russia to show tangible steps toward peace, focus shifts to Washington’s next move. If no agreement is reached, the U.S. has indicated it will significantly increase economic sanctions.
Sources:
BBC News, Associated Press , Reuters
