President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that the meeting between the US special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin was „extremely productive” and „significant progress” was made towards a solution for ending the war in Ukraine. However, new sanctions against Russia will come into effect on Friday, the White House announced.
„Everyone agrees that this war must end, and we will make efforts in the coming days and weeks towards that goal,” said the Washington leader.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump announced: "My special envoy, Steve Witkoff, just had an extremely productive meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Great progress has been made. After that, I informed some of our European allies."
The statement comes as the American leader had previously set a 10-day deadline, expiring on August 8, for Russia to accept a peace deal, otherwise risking additional sanctions.
Kremlin Confirms: "Useful and Constructive" Discussions
According to the Kremlin, the three-hour meeting between Putin and Witkoff was "useful and constructive." "We had a very useful and constructive conversation. From our side, especially regarding the Ukrainian issue, some signals were sent. Corresponding signals were also received from President Trump," said foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov.
Sources cited by Bloomberg and the Russian website The Bell suggest that Russia might propose a moratorium on reciprocal air attacks, an idea previously floated by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Although such a gesture would not equate to a complete ceasefire, it could be an acceptable intermediate step for both parties.
Phone Call with Zelenski Before and After Discussions
President Trump spoke with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenski both on Tuesday, before the Kremlin meeting, and on Wednesday, after its conclusion. The discussions took place amid the most severe Russian airstrikes on Kyiv in recent months, resulting in the deaths of over 70 civilians.
"The war must cease, and for now, the responsibility lies with Russia," conveyed Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to the Ukrainian president.
Zelenski: Russia Appears More Willing to Cease Fire
President Volodymyr Zelenski stated that Russia seems "more willing to cease fire" following international pressure, confirming that he had discussed with his American counterpart, Donald Trump, and several European leaders.
"Our common position with our partners is crystal clear: the war must end, and it must be an honest ending," said Zelenski, thanking European leaders for their support.
On Telegram, the Ukrainian president added that "the most important thing is for Russia not to deceive us or the US in details," proposing a meeting between Ukraine's security advisors and Western partners.
Upcoming Trump-Putin-Zelenski Meeting
According to two sources close to the discussions, cited by CNN, Trump informed European leaders in a phone call that he intends to meet with Putin soon - possibly as early as next week - followed by a trilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski.
A White House official clarified that while Trump expressed his intention to meet with Putin as soon as possible, organizing such a meeting in such a short timeframe is unlikely due to the necessary negotiations and logistical challenges.
"The Russians have expressed their desire to meet with President Trump, and the President is open to meeting with both President Putin and President Zelenski. President Trump wants this brutal war to end," said White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt.
Another American official confirmed on Wednesday that "secondary sanctions are still expected to be implemented on Friday."
Putin Doesn't Back Down: Military Objectives Take Priority
Three Kremlin sources told Reuters that the Russian leader is not willing to yield to the American ultimatum, convinced that he holds a favorable position on the battlefield.
"Putin believes that his military objectives are more important than improving relations with the US," they specified.
Moscow's conditions for peace include recognition of territorial gains, Ukraine's neutrality, and a firm commitment that NATO will not expand eastward.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the US will announce whether or not new sanctions against Russia will be imposed later in the day on Wednesday.
"We will have more to say about this later in the day. It could be positive, it could not," Rubio noted, adding that he has already discussed with Witkoff and will continue consultations.
"Final Mediation Attempt"?
Austrian analyst Gerhard Mangott believes that Witkoff's mission is "a final attempt to find a solution that saves face for both parties." According to him, Russia will insist that it is willing to accept a ceasefire, but only under conditions already formulated in recent years.
At the same time, Trump is under pressure to uphold his commitments regarding sanctioning states that purchase Russian resources.
Steve Witkoff, a real estate mogul with no diplomatic experience, was appointed by Trump earlier this year with a complex mission: mediating a ceasefire in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as negotiations in the Iranian nuclear dossier.