US Envoy's Fifth Visit to Russia Amidst Tensions Over Ukraine

Steve Witkoff, the White House special envoy, arrived in Moscow on Wednesday morning for his fifth visit to Russia this year, meeting with President Vladimir Putin just as a critical ultimatum from President Donald Trump regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine approaches its deadline. Witkoff's arrival at Vnukovo Airport was met by Kiril Dmitriev, Russia's special representative for negotiations with the US, who later escorted him for a walk in a park near the Kremlin walls, according to TASS news agency. President Trump has been vocal about the steps he will take if Russia does not cease its military aggression. Initially set for July 29, the deadline for Russia to reach an agreement or face sanctions has now been significantly shortened to 10 days, with August 8 as the cutoff date. In a statement on Sunday, Trump emphasized that there would be consequences for Moscow if no ceasefire was agreed upon. "They are cunning people and quite skilled at evading sanctions," Trump noted, stressing the need for immediate action to address the conflict. Despite the looming threat of sanctions, the Kremlin has remained adamant in its welcome of Witkoff. Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary for President Putin, expressed that the Kremlin sees Witkoff’s visits as significant and beneficial, stating, "We are always happy to see Mr. Witkoff in Moscow and maintain contacts with him." As these discussions unfold, the future of US-Russia relations remains in precarious balance. The outcome of Witkoff’s talks is expected to influence Washington's forthcoming strategies and responses regarding the situation in Ukraine. With each visit, the stakes are raised, and both nations appear to be preparing for the possibility that diplomatic solutions are increasingly slipping out of reach. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2