Three-hour Putin-Witkoff talks fail to yield ceasefire Diplomatic push in Moscow ends

In a critical diplomatic effort to avert further escalation in the protracted conflict in Ukraine, US envoy Steve Witkoff held a high-level meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on August 6. The talks come just two days before a deadline set by US President Donald Trump, demanding that Russia agree to a ceasefire or face intensified sanctions.

Witkoff’s arrival in Moscow was marked by swift and discreet proceedings. Russian state television broadcast a brief clip of the envoy shaking hands with Putin at the onset of the three-hour-long meeting. Following the discussions, Witkoff’s motorcade was observed departing the Kremlin, while no official statements were released by either party regarding the contents of the dialogue, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Kirill Dmitriev, Russia’s investment envoy, who greeted Witkoff upon arrival and accompanied him on a walk near the Kremlin, expressed optimism on social media, stating, “Dialogue will prevail.”

President Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with the apparent lack of progress toward peace. He has threatened to impose heavy tariffs and secondary sanctions on countries continuing to import Russian goods, notably targeting major oil buyers such as India and China. The Kremlin has condemned such threats as unlawful interference.

Reports from foreign and local media suggest that Moscow may propose a moratorium on air strikes by both Russian and Ukrainian forces—a tentative step short of the comprehensive ceasefire long sought by Kyiv and Washington. This concept was previously mentioned by Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko during a meeting with Putin.

While a moratorium would provide some respite, it falls significantly short of the full cessation of hostilities demanded by Ukraine and its Western allies.

Since peace talks resumed in May, Russia has escalated its aerial bombardments, with Kyiv enduring its deadliest strikes to date—resulting in at least 72 civilian deaths. President Trump recently condemned these attacks as “disgusting.” Concurrently, Ukraine has targeted key Russian energy infrastructure, including refineries and oil depots.

Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive resolution, posting on Telegram: “The war must stop and for now this is on Russia.” He also called for a full ceasefire and a summit between the leaders of the conflicting parties

Meanwhile, President Putin’s meeting with Witkoff at the Kremlin was described as “useful and constructive,” by Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov.

Speaking to reporters, Ushakov stated that the talks primarily focused on the ongoing Ukrainian crisis and the prospects for potential strategic cooperation between the United States and Russia. He emphasized that “from our side, in particular, some signals were transmitted on the Ukrainian issue,” adding that relevant signals had also been received from US President Donald Trump.

Highlighting the current status of communications, Ushakov noted that Putin now possesses comprehensive information—including Russia’s own position and signals from Trump—while President Trump has yet to be briefed on the outcome of the Kremlin meeting.

“I would refrain from commenting in more detail. We'll see when Witkoff can report back to Trump on the conversation that took place today,” Ushakov remarked. “After that, obviously, we will be able to supplement my comments now with something more substantial.”

By Vafa Guliyeva