Trump Hails Productive Meeting Between Putin and Special Envoy Witkoff

What We Know

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that a high-level meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff was “highly productive,” noting that “great progress was made.” Trump shared the update on Truth Social after the meeting concluded at the Kremlin on Wednesday.

“Afterwards, I updated some of our European Allies. Everyone agrees this War must come to a close, and we will work towards that in the days and weeks to come,” Trump wrote in his post. The message referenced ongoing discussions to resolve the war in Ukraine.

According to TASS, Russia’s state news agency, the Kremlin is withholding detailed public comments until Trump is fully briefed on the meeting’s outcome. Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov explained that reciprocal “signals” were exchanged between the two sides, but final interpretations are pending Trump’s internal review.

Ushakov added, “Let’s see when Witkoff will be able to report to Trump on the talks that took place today. After that, obviously, we will be able to expand my current comments with more details.”

The meeting also included Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, and special envoy for international economic cooperation. Dmitriev greeted Witkoff upon his early morning arrival at Vnukovo Airport in Moscow. The two reportedly walked through Zaryadye Park before the scheduled talks.

What They’re Saying

“Trump has not yet been briefed on the outcome of this meeting,” Ushakov told TASS. “Therefore, I would refrain from making more detailed comments.”

Kirill Dmitriev’s presence signaled the economic dimension of the talks, with sources suggesting energy exports and trade sanctions were part of the broader agenda.

Background: Trump’s Ultimatum on Ukraine

President Trump previously issued a series of escalating warnings to Moscow tied to the ongoing war in Ukraine. On July 14, he announced a 50-day deadline to reach a diplomatic settlement, threatening to impose 100% tariffs on Russia and its allies if no deal was made. On July 29, that deadline was shortened to just ten days.

Most recently, on August 5, Trump hinted that sanctions would be considered after Witkoff’s Moscow talks. “It would require a deal where people stop getting killed,” Trump said when asked what could prevent new penalties.

The Bottom Line

This latest meeting marks Witkoff’s fifth trip to Russia in 2025 and underscores the White House’s direct engagement in brokering an end to the Ukraine conflict. With a potential sanctions deadline just days away, the world now watches closely for Trump’s next move.

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