Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff meets Russian officials in Moscow

Wednesday 06 August 2025 - 10:30

In a critical diplomatic move, Steve Witkoff, U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Middle East peace, arrived in Moscow on Wednesday. His visit comes just days before the deadline set by Trump for Russia to end its offensive in Ukraine or face severe new sanctions.

According to Russian state media agency Tass, Witkoff was received by Kirill Dmitriev, the Kremlin's special representative. The two officials were later seen walking together in Moscow’s trendy Zaryadye Park near the Kremlin.

Witkoff, who has met President Vladimir Putin on several occasions, has so far failed to convince the Russian leader to change course. The U.S.-Russia relationship took a dramatic turn last week following Trump’s deployment of two nuclear submarines after a public online spat with former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

Trump recently issued a 10-day ultimatum to Moscow, threatening secondary sanctions against nations—such as China and India—that continue trading with Russia. Asked about imposing 100% tariffs, Trump said, "I never mentioned percentages, but we’ll take serious action."

Speaking from the White House, Trump added: “We’ll see what happens at tomorrow’s meeting. The decision will be made then.”

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the West to ramp up pressure on Russian oil profits and revealed he discussed sanctions and a potential drone agreement with Trump.

Trump’s growing frustration with Putin has been evident. When asked if there was a way to avoid sanctions, he stated, “Yes—by making a deal to stop the killing.”

The Kremlin responded by calling the U.S. threats "illegitimate.

Intensifying war and Western support

Despite U.S. pressure, Russian attacks continue. Drone strikes injured civilians in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, while Moscow claims to have intercepted 51 Ukrainian drones overnight.

In support of Ukraine, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway pledged $500 million in U.S.-sourced military aid, including air defense systems and anti-tank weapons.

Earlier, Trump unveiled a joint plan with NATO’s Mark Rutte encouraging European and Canadian allies to purchase American weaponry for Ukraine, including Patriot systems. The Netherlands has already committed €500 million under the “PURL” initiative (Prioritized Ukrainian Requirements List).

Putin insists on territorial concessions and a halt to Western arms deliveries as preconditions for peace—terms rejected outright by Kyiv.