Russian President Vladimir Putin held a three-hour meeting on Wednesday with US envoy Steve Witkoff in what the Kremlin described as “useful and constructive” talks—just two days before the expiration of a deadline set by President Donald Trump for Russia to accept a peace deal in Ukraine or face fresh sanctions.
Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov says the two sides exchanged “signals” regarding the war in Ukraine and explored the potential for renewed strategic cooperation between Moscow and Washington. Ushakov, who attended the meeting, declined to offer further details, noting that more information would follow once Witkoff had briefed President Trump.
The meeting marked a last-minute diplomatic push to end the nearly four-year-long war sparked by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Earlier, Russian investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev welcomed Witkoff upon arrival and accompanied him on a stroll near the Kremlin. Dmitriev later wrote on social media: “Dialogue will prevail.”
The US administration has not yet issued an official statement.
Trump, reportedly growing impatient with Putin over the lack of progress, has threatened to impose steep tariffs on countries continuing to trade with Russia. India, a major buyer of Russian oil alongside China, is facing increased pressure from Washington. The Kremlin has dismissed such threats as unlawful interference in international trade.
What Russia might offer in order to avert the looming sanctions remains unclear. However, sources cited by Bloomberg and the independent Russian outlet The Bell suggest the Kremlin may propose a temporary halt to airstrikes by both Russia and Ukraine—an idea reportedly floated last week by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko during a meeting with Putin.
“We had a very useful and constructive conversation,” Ushakov told Russian media outlet Zvezda. “On our part, particularly regarding Ukraine, we sent certain signals. We also received corresponding signals from President Trump.”
