Diplomat Witkoff in Moscow Reveals Zelensky's Call for Intensified Pressure Against Russia - US Envoy Witkoff in Moscow: Zelenskyy Urges Intensified Pressure Against Russia
In the heart of Moscow, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff held a crucial meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 8, 2025. The talks, which took place amidst international efforts to resolve the significant conflict between Russia and Ukraine, are seen as a potential opportunity for negotiations and possible resolution of the ongoing war.
During the meeting, Putin reportedly demanded Ukraine's unilateral withdrawal from the entirety of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, and concession of Crimea to Russia, in exchange for freezing the frontline in Zaporizhia and Kherson oblasts. Witkoff clarified that the "only offer" on the table from Putin was Ukraine withdrawing from Donetsk Oblast for a ceasefire. Putin also indicated willingness to withdraw from northeastern Kharkiv and Sumy oblasts as a goodwill gesture. However, Ukraine has firmly rejected these demands, with President Zelensky particularly opposing any territorial concessions.
Following these talks, President Donald Trump scheduled a summit with Putin in Alaska on August 9, 2025, aiming to finalize a peace deal or impose financial penalties on Russia if no ceasefire was agreed. Trump suggested Ukraine might have to cede territory, a position sharply rejected by Ukraine’s government.
Regarding sanctions, Trump stated that if Putin failed to agree to a ceasefire by August 8, additional US economic measures, including secondary sanctions targeting Russian fossil fuel export customers such as India and China, would be imposed. This indicates US readiness to escalate sanctions not only on Russia but also on its major trading partners to pressure a resolution.
Despite these diplomatic efforts, Russian military operations continue, indicating the ongoing conflict. The Ukrainian President, Zelensky, stated that Russia will not end the war unless it feels sufficient pressure. Trump has threatened Russia with further sanctions if it does not end the war in Ukraine by Friday.
Witkoff's visit to Moscow was reported by Russian state media, marking the significance of the meeting in the context of international efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. As of now, no details about the content of Witkoff's meeting with Putin have been provided. The US President has stated that he wants to wait for the outcome of Witkoff's talks before imposing any potential penalties.
References: 1. BBC News 2. Reuters 3. The New York Times
- Steve Witkoff, the US special representative, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, discussing the ongoing war in Ukraine and potential negotiations, with Witkoff stating that Putin's "only offer" was Ukraine withdrawing from Donetsk Oblast for a ceasefire.
- Amidst the diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the Ukrainian President, Vladimir Selensky, is demanding more pressure on Russia, asserting that Russia will not end the war unless it feels sufficient pressure, as tensions persist in Europe and war-and-conflicts continue to dominate general-news headlines.
