Trump Demands Peace Deal as Envoy Witkoff Meets Putin in Moscow

Donald Trump has issued an ultimatum to Vladimir Putin, stating that he will take significant action if a peace deal regarding Ukraine is not reached. This announcement comes as Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, arrives in Moscow for crucial discussions just days before a deadline set by the U.S. president.

Witkoff’s arrival marks a critical moment in U.S.-Russia relations, coinciding with the potential for damaging sanctions against Russia should negotiations fail. With the deadline approaching on August 9, 2023, Witkoff is under pressure to secure a ceasefire agreement. The U.S. administration is reportedly considering heavy tariffs on countries engaging in trade with Russia, particularly targeting nations such as India and China that purchase Russian oil.

High-Stakes Discussions in Moscow

Upon his arrival, Witkoff met with Kirill Dmitriev, Russia’s investment envoy and head of its sovereign wealth fund. Their meeting was captured by state media, depicting both officials deep in conversation while navigating the park near the Kremlin, flanked by aides and security personnel. According to Dmitry Peskov, Putin’s spokesperson, “We are always glad to see Mr. Witkoff in Moscow. We view such contacts as important, substantive, and very useful.”

Although Witkoff is expected to engage with top Russian officials, it remains unclear whether he will meet directly with Putin. This uncertainty adds to the tension surrounding the discussions, especially as Trump has made it clear that failure to reach an agreement will result in “biting sanctions.”

Potential Consequences of Inaction

Trump’s dissatisfaction with the lack of progress in the Ukraine peace talks has led him to threaten punitive measures, including sanctions on Russia’s “shadow fleet” of oil tankers. A source close to the administration stated, “If Witkoff comes back empty-handed, with absolutely nothing, Trump is going to go ballistic.”

The Kremlin has issued a warning in response to Trump’s threats, asserting that penalties on countries trading with Russia would be considered illegal. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev remarked, “Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war.” Sources close to Russian leadership suggest that Putin is unlikely to yield to Trump’s demands, prioritizing his war objectives over potential sanctions.

In the backdrop of diplomatic efforts, Putin’s military continues to engage actively in Ukraine, recently bombing a gas compressor station near NATO territory, signaling a resolute stance on his military objectives. This act has heightened concerns about ongoing hostilities as Witkoff pushes for a resolution.

With Witkoff’s previous visits to Moscow on April 25 and April 11 yielding limited outcomes, experts are skeptical about the prospects of a substantial compromise. Gerhard Mangott, a Western academic familiar with Putin, indicated that while Russia may express readiness for a ceasefire, it will insist on conditions that have been longstanding. “Trump will be under pressure to follow through on his tariff threats against nations buying oil and gas from Russia,” Mangott added.

As the deadline looms, the international community awaits the outcome of Witkoff’s discussions with Russian officials. The stakes are high, with potential repercussions that could reshape U.S.-Russia relations and impact the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.