Kremlin bills U.S.–Russia talks as constructive amid ceasefire deadline
The Kremlin described U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff’s three-hour meeting with President Vladimir Putin on August 6‑7, 2025, as “useful and constructive,” even as a looming ceasefire deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump—with threats of heavy sanctions—approaches. The talks, which took place at the Kremlin, reportedly covered the Ukraine crisis and the potential for strategic cooperation between Moscow and Washington. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov stated that the sides had exchanged “signals” on the conflict, though he declined to elaborate until Witkoff reported back to Trump. Russian investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev, who accompanied Witkoff, reiterated the message on social media: "Dialogue will prevail.". Despite the Kremlin’s optimism, observers see the meeting as a last‑ditch diplomatic effort. President Trump has issued an ultimatum: Russia must agree to a full ceasefire by August 8, or face 100% tariffs on its exports and sanctions […]