Background on Steve Witkoff and His Mission
Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Special Envoy, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin for approximately three hours in Moscow. This meeting took place amidst a three-and-a-half-year conflict, initiated by Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine. Witkoff’s mission is to seek progress in the ongoing war, just two days before the U.S.-imposed deadline for Russia to accept peace in Ukraine or face new sanctions.
Meeting Details and Key Points
- Kremlin Advisor Yuri Ushakov: Described the conversation as “useful and constructive,” stating that both parties exchanged “signals” regarding Ukraine and discussed the possibility of strategic cooperation between Moscow and Washington. Ushakov refused to provide further details until Witkoff reports back to Trump.
- Russian Investment Envoy Kirill Dmitriev: Greeted Witkoff upon arrival and accompanied him on a walk near the Kremlin. Dmitriev posted on social media: “Dialogue will prevail.”
- No Immediate Comments from the U.S.: There were no immediate reactions from the U.S. following the meeting.
Trump’s Frustration and Pressure on Russia
President Trump, growing increasingly frustrated with Putin’s lack of progress toward peace, has threatened to impose heavy tariffs on countries purchasing Russian exports. He is currently exerting pressure specifically on India, a significant buyer of Russian oil along with China. The Kremlin claims that threats to penalize countries trading with Russia are illegal.
Potential Russian Concessions
It remains unclear what Russia might offer Witkoff to avoid Trump’s threats. Ushakov, who attended the meeting, told Russian media outlet Zvezda that “we had a very useful and constructive conversation,” adding that “on the issue of Ukraine, we conveyed some signals, and we received corresponding signals from President Trump.”
Bloomberg and Russian independent media outlet The Bell reported that the Kremlin might propose a moratorium on Russian and Ukrainian aerial attacks, an idea previously mentioned by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko during a meeting with Putin.
While this measure falls short of the immediate, comprehensive ceasefire that Kiev and Washington have been seeking for months, it would still provide relief to both sides.
Ongoing Conflict and Ukrainian Response
Since the parties resumed direct peace talks in May, Russia has conducted its most intense aerial attacks in the war, resulting in at least 72 deaths in Kyiv alone. Last week, Trump described the Russian attacks as “repugnant.”
Ukraine continues to target Russian oil refineries and storage facilities, which it has struck multiple times. President Volodymyr Zelensky reported on Wednesday that Russia attacked a gas pumping station in southern Ukraine, describing it as a deliberate and cynical blow to winter heating preparations. Russia claimed it targeted gas infrastructure supplying its military.
Zelensky’s Chief of Staff, Andriy Yermak, emphasized the necessity for a total ceasefire and leaders’ summit. “The war must end, and for now, it depends on Russia,” he posted on Telegram.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Steve Witkoff? Steve Witkoff is the U.S. Special Envoy who met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss progress in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
- What was the purpose of Witkoff’s meeting with Putin? The primary objective of this meeting was to seek progress in the war and avoid new U.S. sanctions, as Washington had set a deadline for Russia to accept peace in Ukraine.
- What potential concessions might Russia offer? Reports suggest that the Kremlin could propose a moratorium on Russian and Ukrainian aerial attacks, though this falls short of the comprehensive ceasefire sought by Kiev and Washington.
- How has Ukraine responded to the conflict? Ukraine continues to target Russian oil infrastructure, and President Zelensky has called for a total ceasefire and leaders’ summit to end the war.
