Discussion between Ushakov and Putin, and Witkoff, was praised by Ushakov
In Moscow on August 6, 2025, a significant meeting took place between Vladimir Putin, Steve Witkoff (President Trump's special envoy), and Kirill Dmitriev (head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund and Putin adviser). The discussions focused on efforts toward a ceasefire in the ongoing Ukraine crisis and broader US-Russia cooperation[1].
Witkoff's visit to Moscow was part of a series of negotiations aimed at ending Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. With Trump having set deadlines for a ceasefire and threatening sanctions if Russia did not comply, the discussions were of utmost importance[1].
Yuri Ushakov, an aide to Vladimir Putin, held a conversation with Steve Whitcoff during the meeting. Ushakov described the conversation as "useful and constructive"[2]. The discussions laid the groundwork for a planned meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska scheduled for August 15, 2025. This meeting might also involve Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to negotiate a trilateral agreement[2].
Kirill Dmitriev, while acknowledging the meeting, emphasized potential US-Russia partnership opportunities beyond the immediate conflict. He specifically mentioned environmental, infrastructure, and energy collaboration in the Arctic region and beyond, indicating a vision for cooperation that extends to strategic economic sectors despite the conflict[2].
The detailed discussion focused on advancing a ceasefire to halt the Ukraine war in line with Trump’s deadlines and ultimatums[1], preparing for higher-level US-Russia talks with possible Ukrainian participation[2], and broadening cooperation possibilities in areas like environment, infrastructure, and energy, especially in the Arctic[2].
This reflects a mix of immediate crisis diplomacy alongside longer-term strategic cooperation efforts between the US and Russia despite the tension caused by the Ukraine conflict. The meeting in Moscow is a step towards finding a resolution to the ongoing crisis and building a more cooperative relationship between the two nations.
[1] The Washington Post. (2025, August 7). Witkoff's Moscow Visit Aims to End Ukraine Crisis. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/witkoffs-moscow-visit-aims-to-end-ukraine-crisis/
[2] Reuters. (2025, August 7). US-Russia-Ukraine: Dmitriev Highlights Cooperation Opportunities Beyond Conflict. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-russia-ukraine-dmitriev-highlights-cooperation-opportunities-beyond-conflict-2025-08-07/
The discussion in Moscow centered around the immediate crisis in Ukraine, with a focus on achieving a ceasefire as per Trump's deadlines and ultimatums. With potential US-Russia talks on the horizon, along with Ukrainian participation, the meeting marked a step towards resolving the ongoing conflict.
Beyond the immediate conflict, Kirill Dmitriev emphasized the possibility of US-Russia partnership opportunities in strategic economic sectors such as environment, infrastructure, and energy, particularly in the Arctic region.
