U.S. envoy heads to Moscow as Trump sets Ukraine deadline

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 28, 2025
Reuters

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected in Moscow on Wednesday (6 August) for meetings with Russian leadership, a source familiar with the matter said on Tuesday.

Washington has not released specific details of his visit, with State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirming only that the trip is taking place.

"The president has noted, of course, that Special Envoy Witkoff will be travelling to Russia this week, so we can confirm that from this podium," Bruce said. "What that will entail, I have no details for you."

According to Russia’s TASS news agency, an aircraft believed to be carrying Witkoff has already departed from the United States, citing aviation sources.

The visit comes as President Donald Trump, frustrated with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s handling of the Ukraine conflict, has reportedly set a Friday deadline for progress on peace talks. If unmet, Trump has warned that Russia could face additional U.S. sanctions.

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