Background on Steve Witkoff and His Role
Steve Witkoff, a key advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump on peace missions, is set to travel to Moscow on Wednesday. His objective is to engage with Russian leaders just days before Trump’s ultimatum expires, urging Russia to cease its offensive in Ukraine.
Witkoff, known for his involvement in diplomatic efforts, has met multiple times with Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, these discussions have not resulted in Moscow ending hostilities.
Escalating Tensions Between Russia and the U.S.
In recent weeks, tensions between Moscow and Washington have escalated. Trump deployed two nuclear submarines in response to comments made by former Russian President Dmitri Medvedev. Additionally, Trump threatened to impose secondary sanctions on countries trading with Russia, including China and India.
Ukrainian President’s Appeal for Support
On Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Western countries to “increase pressure” on Russia’s oil revenues. He also announced a phone conversation with Trump regarding sanctions against Russia and military cooperation.
Trump, who began his second term in January promising to end the war in Ukraine within days, is growing increasingly frustrated with Putin.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Steve Witkoff’s mission in Russia? Witkoff will attempt to negotiate with Russian leaders, urging them to stop their offensive in Ukraine before Trump’s ultimatum expires.
- What actions has Trump taken in response to Russia’s actions? Trump deployed nuclear submarines and threatened secondary sanctions on countries trading with Russia, including China and India.
- What is Ukrainian President Zelensky’s stance on the crisis? Zelensky has called for increased pressure on Russia’s oil revenues and discussed sanctions and military cooperation with Trump.
Ongoing Conflict and International Support for Ukraine
Despite the U.S. pressure, fighting continues.
Six people died in Russian attacks in southern and northeastern Ukraine, according to local authorities. The Ukrainian military claims to have downed 29 drones overnight Monday in the north and east of the country.
In July, Russia launched a record 6,297 drones against Ukraine since the invasion began in February 2022, according to an AFP tally based on figures provided by Ukrainian authorities.
On the Russian side of the front line, Ukrainian bombardments killed four people in Svatove, in the occupied Luhansk region, according to local leader Leonid Pasechnik on Telegram.
To bolster Ukraine’s defenses, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway announced on Tuesday their intention to purchase weapons from U.S. arsenals.
Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Oslo will donate $500 million in military aid, including air defense systems, anti-tank weapons, ammunition, and spare parts.
“Ukraine is not only fighting for its own security but also ours,” emphasized Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson at a press conference.
Last month, Trump announced a collaboration project with NATO chief Mark Rutte to enable European allies and Canada to acquire U.S. weapons, including advanced Patriot systems.
Putin stated on Friday that he desires peace but refuses to reduce his demands. He insists Ukraine cede four partially occupied regions (Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson), along with Crimea annexed in 2014, and renounce Western weapons and NATO membership.
Kiev deems these conditions unacceptable.
