US Envoy Witkoff Meets Putin Amid Ceasefire Tensions

Wed Aug 06 2025 18:54:09 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
US Envoy Witkoff Meets Putin Amid Ceasefire Tensions

Key discussions unfold at the Kremlin as a deadline for a ceasefire in Ukraine approaches.


US envoy Steve Witkoff's meeting with Vladimir Putin comes just as President Trump's ultimatum for a ceasefire looms, amid ongoing military operations and diplomatic challenges.



In a significant diplomatic engagement, US envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on Wednesday morning, as the deadline for a proposed ceasefire in Ukraine approaches. This meeting is part of President Donald Trump's strategy, which includes potential heavy sanctions on Russia if it fails to take adequate steps to de-escalate the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Amidst escalating tensions, Trump has warned that further action could extend to sanctions on nations trading with Russia.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed skepticism regarding Russia's willingness to pursue peace, suggesting that significant financial constraints might force the Kremlin to rethink its stance. He welcomed the potential for tougher US sanctions, particularly on Russian oil exports, underscoring the economic implications of the conflict.

Visuals shared by Russian media revealed the two leaders appearing cordial, smiling, and shaking hands in an ornate hall, despite the muted expectations surrounding the outcome of their discussions. As Friday’s deadline nears, Russian forces have persisted with intensive airstrikes against Ukraine, seemingly disregarding the international warnings.

Prior to Trump's presidency, he had expressed confidence in his ability to resolve the conflict swiftly; however, his approach has hardened amidst ongoing hostilities. He recently remarked on the inconsistent progress towards a resolution, highlighting instances of renewed aggression from Russia, such as attacks on Ukrainian cities resulting in civilian casualties.

Efforts to negotiate peace have faltered, evidenced by three unsuccessful rounds of talks held in Istanbul since the invasion began three and a half years ago. The Kremlin's preconditions for peace have been deemed unacceptable by both Kyiv and its Western allies. Notably, Moscow has consistently rejected requests for a direct dialogue between Zelensky and Putin.

In a related development, the US government recently authorized an additional $200 million in military aid to Ukraine, following discussions between Zelensky and Trump focused on defense cooperation and drone technology. Ukrainian forces continue to utilize drones against Russian energy infrastructure, while Russia has intensified attacks on urban centers in Ukraine.

Tragedy struck last week when a heavy attack on Kyiv resulted in 32 casualties, marking the most lethal strike on the city since the start of the aggression. Further violence was reported in the central Zaporizhzhia region, where a Russian strike on a holiday camp caused additional injuries and fatalities. In a response filled with indignation, Zelensky condemned this assault as an act of cruelty designed to instill fear among civilians.

MORE ON THEME

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 15:21:16 GMT

Trump Imposes 25% Tariff on India for Russian Oil Purchases

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 15:21:16 GMT
Wed, 06 Aug 2025 11:24:36 GMT

Surge in Russian Attacks on Ukraine Amid Trump’s Presidency Resurgence

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 11:24:36 GMT
Wed, 06 Aug 2025 05:33:38 GMT

Impending Secondary Tariffs on Russia: Potential Shifts in Global Economics

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 05:33:38 GMT
Wed, 06 Aug 2025 05:28:05 GMT

Taiwanese Series "Zero Day Attack" Sparks Controversy Over Imagined Chinese Invasion

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 05:28:05 GMT
Wed, 06 Aug 2025 05:23:45 GMT

Urgent Call for Aid as El-Fasher Faces Looming Starvation

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 05:23:45 GMT
Wed, 06 Aug 2025 05:21:32 GMT

Zelensky and Trump Reaffirm Cooperation on Ukraine Amid Ceasefire Deadline

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 05:21:32 GMT
Wed, 06 Aug 2025 05:02:24 GMT

Escalation of Russian Attacks on Ukraine Surges Under Trump's New Presidency

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 05:02:24 GMT
Wed, 06 Aug 2025 04:59:45 GMT

**UN Sounds Alarm Over Proposed Expansion of Israeli Military Operations in Gaza**

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 04:59:45 GMT
Tue, 05 Aug 2025 21:01:24 GMT

The Texas Political Standoff: A Fight to Shape Congressional Power**

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 21:01:24 GMT
Tue, 05 Aug 2025 20:56:24 GMT

Netanyahu's Controversial Push for Full Gaza Reoccupation Amidst Rising Tensions

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 20:56:24 GMT
Tue, 05 Aug 2025 20:54:14 GMT

Zelensky and Trump Engage in Strategic Talks as Ceasefire Deadline Approaches

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 20:54:14 GMT
Tue, 05 Aug 2025 17:07:11 GMT

Grand Jury Hearings Ordered in Controversial Trump-Russia Probe**

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 17:07:11 GMT
Tue, 05 Aug 2025 15:26:48 GMT

Tensions Rise: The Deteriorating Relationship Between Trump and Putin Amidst Ukraine Conflict**

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 15:26:48 GMT
Tue, 05 Aug 2025 14:16:11 GMT

Desperate Conditions in El-Fasher: UN Warns of Imminent Starvation

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 14:16:11 GMT
Tue, 05 Aug 2025 13:08:10 GMT

**Netanyahu Seeks Full Reoccupation of Gaza Amid Rising Tensions**

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 13:08:10 GMT
Tue, 05 Aug 2025 10:59:35 GMT

India Decries Trump's Tariff Threat on Russian Oil Imports as Unfair

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 10:59:35 GMT
Tue, 05 Aug 2025 10:11:44 GMT

Israeli Security Officials Urge Trump to Intervene in Gaza Conflict

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 10:11:44 GMT
Tue, 05 Aug 2025 10:03:47 GMT

Grand Jury Hearings on Trump-Russia Allegations Initiated by US Attorney General

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 10:03:47 GMT
Tue, 05 Aug 2025 09:29:34 GMT

### Tensions Rise as Trump and Putin Spar Over Ukraine, Yet Negotiations Loom

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 09:29:34 GMT
Mon, 04 Aug 2025 21:17:36 GMT

Trump's Tariff Threats: A Warning to India Over Russian Oil Purchases

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 21:17:36 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.