US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Moscow on Wednesday for critical talks with Russian officials, potentially including President Vladimir Putin, as the clock ticks down to President Donald Trump’s August 8 deadline for a ceasefire in the Ukraine war.

The visit comes amid heightened tensions, with Trump threatening punitive sanctions and tariffs if Russia fails to halt its military operations.

Witkoff was greeted at the airport by Kirill Dmitriev, a presidential special representative, signaling Russia’s openness to dialogue. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov earlier indicated that a direct meeting with Putin was “possible,” though no confirmation has been provided. Peskov, quoted by TASS on Monday, emphasized Russia’s preference for a “political and diplomatic solution” and noted ongoing direct Russian-Ukrainian negotiations.

Trump, speaking on Tuesday night, said the outcome of Witkoff’s talks would determine his next steps, including whether to impose secondary sanctions on Russia’s fossil fuel customers, notably India and China, and additional tariffs on Russian trade partners. The threat follows Russia’s record-breaking 6,443 drone and missile strikes on Ukraine in July 2025, according to Ukrainian Air Force data, marking a sharp escalation in long-range attacks.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a Tuesday X post, confirmed he had “coordinated” positions with Trump during a phone call. “We exchanged assessments of the situation: The Russians have intensified the brutality of their attacks,” Zelenskyy wrote, noting that Trump is “fully informed” about Russian strikes on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. Ukraine supports the US push for an immediate ceasefire to pave the way for broader peace negotiations.

The talks follow Trump’s July ultimatum, initially set at 50 days but later shortened to 10, demanding Russia cease hostilities or face severe economic measures. With the deadline just two days away, Witkoff’s mission is being described as a “last chance” to avert further escalation and economic fallout. (ILKHA)