Putin's last shot? What we know about Witkoff's Moscow visit and why it matters

Key details about Witkoff’s visit so far

• The US envoy's plane landed in Moscow on the morning of August 6. This marks his fifth visit to Russia during President Trump's second term.

• Witkoff was met by Russian official Kirill Dmitriev, who oversees investment matters.

• Neither the Kremlin nor Washington had confirmed in advance that Witkoff would meet with Putin, but around noon local time, news broke that the meeting had begun.

• Putin’s aide Yuri Ushakov, who has participated in prior US-Russia talks, was also present at the negotiations.

Witkoff in Moscow: Fifth visit and meeting with Putin

Around 7:00 AM local time, the plane carrying American political figure Steve Witkoff landed at Moscow's Vnukovo Airport. He was met by Kirill Dmitriev, the Russian Federation’s special envoy on investment matters.

Witkoff's arrival marks a continuation of Washington's behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts aimed at finding a path toward ending the war in Ukraine.

According to pro-Kremlin media reports, Witkoff and Dmitriev took a walk through Zaryadye Park, visited a restaurant and the observation deck, after which the special envoy's motorcade headed toward the Kremlin.

Although the Kremlin had not confirmed a meeting with Putin in advance, sources cited by Reuters said Witkoff was scheduled to meet with Russian leadership on Wednesday, August 6.

By around noon, it was officially confirmed by Putin's administration that a meeting between Putin and Witkoff had indeed taken place in the Kremlin.

Russian state media also reported that Yuri Ushakov, an aide to the Russian president and former member of the US-Russia negotiation group, was present at the meeting.

This marks Witkoff’s fifth trip to Russia since the start of Trump’s second presidential term. His previous visits took place on February 12, March 13, April 11, and April 25.

Why is Witkoff representing the US in Moscow

Steve Witkoff, a US billionaire, has become Trump's trusted backchannel envoy for informal negotiations on Ukraine. His involvement deepened after his first trip to Moscow in February 2025, when he returned with American prisoner Marc Fogel.

According to The New York Times, Trump granted Witkoff expanded authority to engage with Russian leadership discreetly, away from the public eye. Sources told the outlet that the current US president views Witkoff as an effective communicator capable of conducting "tough but flexible" negotiations.

Trump himself has confirmed that the initiative for the meeting came from Moscow.

"They would like to see him. They've asked that he meet, so we'll see what happens," Trump told reporters.

Context of the visit: Trump's deadline and looming sanctions

Witkoff's visit to Moscow comes just one day before the deadline set by Donald Trump for Vladimir Putin: by Friday, the Kremlin must agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine, or face a new wave of sanctions.

Trump has repeatedly voiced dissatisfaction with Putin's actions and stressed that the US is ready to impose secondary sanctions on countries that continue buying Russian oil.

He has also threatened 100% tariffs on trade with Russia's key partners, including China and India — the latter already facing 25% US tariffs on some goods.

"There'll be sanctions, but they seem to be pretty good at avoiding sanctions. You know, they're wily characters, and they’re pretty good at avoiding sanctions. So we’ll see what happens," Trump said ahead of Witkoff's visit.

Rumors about air truce: What Kremlin may offer

According to Bloomberg, the Kremlin may propose an "air truce" — a temporary halt to drone and missile attacks. Reporters say it appears to be a maneuver by Putin to avoid additional sanctions while continuing his war in Ukraine.

Sources suggest the visit could be the last chance to strike a deal with Trump, even if chances are slim. However, Putin's war aims remain unchanged, and Russia still refuses to agree to a full ceasefire.

Reuters, citing its sources, also reports that the Kremlin is unlikely to make real concessions, as Putin is determined to capture all four of the Ukrainian regions currently under dispute.

Just before Witkoff's trip, the US and Ukrainian Presidents held a phone call. According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine supports an immediate ceasefire, but reminded that all past agreements with Moscow were broken by Russia.

"We offered silence in the skies — no drone or missile strikes, especially on civilian infrastructure and energy. All of this was violated by Russia," Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address.

What's next? Everything hinges on the outcome

President Trump has said that Washington's next steps on sanctions will depend on the outcome of Witkoff's trip.

"We have a meeting with Russia tomorrow. We'll see what happens. Then we'll decide," Trump said on Tuesday.

Sources at Financial Times note that if the talks fail, Trump plans to significantly ramp up pressure on the Kremlin. The White House has made its stance clear: "If he returns empty-handed, with absolutely nothing, Trump will be furious."

Trump believes that if global oil prices drop by another $10 per barrel, it would hit the Russian economy hard enough to force Putin to "stop killing people" in Ukraine.

He also warned India that if it continues purchasing Russian oil, US tariffs will be raised further. Currently, India is already facing 25% tariffs on certain exports to the US.

Trump is expected to announce his decision as early as tonight in an address from the Oval Office.

Meanwhile, as part of the broader diplomatic push by Trump and his administration to end the war, another key visit is expected: US presidential envoy Gen. Keith Kellogg may travel to Ukraine soon. Sources from RBC-Ukraine say the visit is planned, though the exact date remains unknown.

Sources: Reuters, Bloomberg, Financial Times, TASS, and RIA Novosti.