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Trump ultimatum hangs over Ukraine as U.S. envoy briefs Kyiv, NATO on Moscow talks

08.08.2025 12:15
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff briefed Ukrainian and NATO security chiefs on his meeting with Vladimir Putin and will continue talks Friday, President Volodymyr Zelensky said, as Donald Trump’s August 8 ceasefire deadline for Russia approached.
US President Donald Trump displays the signed proclamation declaring National Purple Heart Day during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 07 August 2025. 07 August is National Purple Heart Day, honoring US heroes who were wounded or killed in action.
US President Donald Trump displays the signed proclamation declaring National Purple Heart Day during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 07 August 2025. 07 August is National Purple Heart Day, honoring US heroes who were wounded or killed in action. Photo: EPA/SHAWN THEW

Witkoff’s videoconference covered his Wednesday talks in Moscow with the Russian leader and “future steps,” including a possible Trump-Putin summit, two sources told the Axios news site. Zelensky said not all issues were covered Thursday and “much remains to be done.”

Trump has given the Kremlin until Friday to accept a Ukraine ceasefire or face U.S. sanctions and secondary tariffs. On Thursday, the president said the time limit now “depends on Putin.” The administration is considering measures against Russia’s “shadow fleet” of oil tankers and 25% duties on countries buying Russian crude; India is already subject to the levy, and China could follow.

After Witkoff’s visit, Trump called the Moscow talks “very productive” and hinted at a three-way summit with Putin and Zelensky. Axios said the call unsettled European officials, uncertain whether sanctions would still be announced Friday.

Kremlin sources cited by Reuters said Putin is unlikely to yield, viewing possible penalties as painful but not catastrophic, and doubting Trump’s resolve given past threats that were “walked back.”

CNN outlined scenarios ranging from a limited winter freeze in fighting to a prolonged war resembling the Soviet Union’s Afghan quagmire. Only one envisages Russia’s clear military defeat, the network said, and none can be achieved without Ukraine’s direct participation in any future negotiations.

(jh)

Source: PAP, IAR