Putin may meet U.S. envoy Witkoff this week during Ukraine talks

Putin meets Donetsk leader at Kremlin on 4 August, 2025.
Reuters

On Monday, the Kremlin announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin may meet U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff this week as part of ongoing efforts to mediate the Russia-Ukraine conflict. U.S. President Donald Trump also warned of possible sanctions if a ceasefire is not reached soon.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed, "We are always happy to see Mr Witkoff in Moscow," emphasizing that contacts with Witkoff are "important, substantial and very useful."

These interactions support ongoing U.S. mediation efforts aimed at resolving the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that Witkoff may travel to Russia around Wednesday or Thursday.

Trump warned that sanctions would be imposed if Moscow fails to agree to a ceasefire before Friday, though he also noted, "There'll be sanctions, but they seem to be pretty good at avoiding sanctions."

Peskov also reiterated the importance of political and diplomatic solutions, saying, "We do preserve our commitment to the idea that the preferable way to settle the Ukrainian problem should be reached by political and diplomatic means."

The U.S. continues mediation efforts amid direct Russian-Ukrainian negotiations, with officials hopeful that dialogue will lead to a peaceful resolution.

Tags