Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Steve Witkov, a special envoy from President Donald Trump, in Moscow on Wednesday. According to the Kremlin, the White House could face significant economic repercussions that might either push for a peace agreement regarding Ukraine or affect oil purchases.
Details about the meeting weren’t immediately available. Earlier, footage aired by Tas showed Witkov walking alongside Kiril Dmitriev, who is known for his role in investment and economic cooperation with the Kremlin.
Dmitriev has facilitated three direct talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegates in Istanbul recently, as well as meetings with US officials.
Recent negotiations haven’t made progress toward ending a war that has lasted for three years following Russia’s invasion.
Putin’s deadline from Trump is set to expire on Friday, with Washington warning of “serious tariffs” and other economic penalties if violence continues.
Trump has voiced increasing frustration over Putin’s actions, especially in light of Russia’s ongoing strikes against Ukraine’s southern regions. Despite encouraging Russian leaders to exercise restraint, attacks have intensified.
Over the span of two days, Ukrainian regional governor Ivan Fedorov reported that Russian forces targeted a recreation center in Zaporidia, resulting in two fatalities and twelve injuries, including two children.
The Russian military conducted several strikes in the area, starting with a heavy glide bomb attack.
“This strike has no military purpose; it’s just cruel,” commented Ukrainian President Voldymir Zelensky on Telegram.
Analysts suggest that Putin seems to be stalling on serious negotiations while continuing to strengthen territorial control in Ukraine. The ongoing Russian offensive, which began in the spring, has been more aggressive than last year’s efforts but still struggles to capture major urban centers.
While the frontline remains a priority for Ukrainian defense, experts say their position is not in immediate danger of collapsing.
Trump recently stated he would monitor the situation regarding his potential tariffs on nations purchasing Russian oil—this could substantially impact import costs for countries like China and India.
“We’re meeting with Russia tomorrow, and we’ll decide on the next steps then,” Trump mentioned, noting that he hasn’t specified particular tariff rates.
The Kremlin has not shared details about the meeting, but continues to emphasize diplomatic engagements with Witkov. Putin’s relationship with Trump was pressured by continuing conflict and delayed negotiations.
Diplomatic and economic pressures on the Kremlin could further escalate tensions between Russia and the US. An assessment from the Washington-based European Policy Analysis Centre highlighted signs of potential larger conflicts with NATO, particularly in light of Russia’s military build-up along its western borders.
Putin hasn’t indicated any willingness to compromise; instead, senior officials focused on showcasing Russia’s military capabilities. Recently, Putin claimed that new hypersonic missiles were impervious to current NATO defense systems.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev cautioned that the ongoing war could drag the US and Russia into direct conflict, prompting Trump to reposition two US nuclear submarines.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov praised Witkov’s visit as significant and beneficial on Monday.
Initially, Trump gave Moscow a 50-day deadline but later extended it due to ongoing bombings in Ukraine. However, he expressed skepticism about the efficacy of the sanctions, stating that Russia appears adept at circumventing them.
“They’re quite resourceful,” he remarked about the Russians.
The Kremlin maintains that international sanctions imposed since February 2022 have had limited effects on their military operations. Conversely, Ukraine believes that these sanctions are significantly impacting Russia’s war capabilities and hopes for their reinforcement by Western allies.
