Amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and intensifying international sanctions, an unexpected but potentially pivotal meeting took place in Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, during a closed-door session at the Kremlin. The three-hour talks were described as “highly productive”.

At the same time, Trump expressed his willingness to hold a meeting with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as early as next week. His goal is to secure a temporary ceasefire and lay the groundwork for a broader resolution to the war in Ukraine. This sudden diplomatic maneuver is accompanied by Washington’s threat of new secondary sanctions, which could be announced as soon as this Friday.

According to our sources, the meeting addressed the prospects of a ceasefire, the exchange of prisoners, and the potential framework for future peace negotiations. While no official statements were made, the very fact of such a lengthy discussion – and its characterization as “highly productive” – indicates the presence of some common ground, at least on a tactical level. In parallel with Witkoff’s visit, Trump made a bold announcement: he is ready to host a personal summit with both Putin and Zelensky next week.

Meanwhile, the U.S. administration is maintaining pressure. New secondary sanctions may be introduced on Friday, targeting foreign companies and banks that continue cooperating with Russia. These signals the White House’s firm stance: any attempt at alternative diplomacy must go hand in hand with tightening Moscow’s economic isolation.

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#UKRAINE

07.08.2025 05:58