Witkoff meets with Putin for high-level talks
News | By Easton Martin | August 6, 2025
President Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Wednesday for high‑level talks as a U.S. ceasefire deadline in Ukraine approaches. The three‑hour meeting took place inside the Kremlin and included senior Russian security officials.
The visit comes just days before the Trump administration’s stated deadline for Russia to accept terms of a ceasefire agreement aimed at halting major combat operations in Ukraine. U.S. officials have signaled that failure to reach a deal could trigger additional American actions, though no details have been released on what measures might follow.
Witkoff, a longtime Trump ally and real estate developer, has served as the administration’s point man in recent back‑channel discussions with Moscow. His role underscores Trump’s reliance on trusted confidants to advance diplomatic initiatives outside of traditional State Department channels.
Neither side released a formal statement following the talks, though Russian media reported that discussions centered on ceasefire logistics, prisoner exchanges, and economic sanctions.
The White House described the meeting as part of “ongoing diplomatic efforts” to end the war. Officials said further announcements are expected before the deadline set by President Trump expires later this week.
