The conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US Presidential Special Representative Steven Witkoff was useful and constructive, said Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov.
“Our president received US Presidential Special Representative Steven Witkoff this morning. We had a very useful and constructive conversation,” Ushakov said.
Meanwhile, Russian Presidential Special Representative for Investments and Economic Cooperation with Foreign Countries, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund Kirill Dmitriev added that the constructive dialogue between Russia and the US continues.
It is worth noting that this is Witkoff’s fifth visit to Russia since the beginning of the year. The last time the US leader’s special representative came to Moscow for talks was on April 25, and before that, on April 11, to St. Petersburg. Putin met with him both times.
Vitkoff last visited Moscow for talks on April 25, and before that, on April 11, in St. Petersburg. Both times, he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This is Vitkoff’s fifth visit to Russia since the beginning of the year.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump said that he could impose sanctions against Russia on August 9 if the Ukrainian crisis is not resolved by that time.
At the same time, he noted that Russia is successfully coping with sanctions. When asked whether Russia would be able to avoid sanctions from the current US administration, Trump replied that in order to do so, “we need to make a deal that prevents people from dying.”
On July 14, Trump announced that the US would impose tariffs of up to 100% on imports from Russia and its trading partners if Moscow and Washington do not reach an agreement on settling the Ukrainian issue within 50 days. On July 29, Trump announced a decision to reduce this period to 10 days.
On August 5, Trump said the US would decide on the introduction of the aforementioned tariffs later. According to him, further US actions would depend on the results of talks in Moscow with his special representative Stephen Whittock.