Overview

• Steve Witkoff landed in Moscow on Aug. 6 and was met at Vnukovo Airport by Kirill Dmitriev, underscoring the Kremlin’s willingness to engage in shuttle diplomacy.
• Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said a meeting with President Putin this week remains possible and described talks with the U.S. envoy as important and constructive.
• President Trump has given Russia until Aug. 8 to agree to a ceasefire or face fresh economic penalties targeting its exports.
• Moscow has reiterated its demand for Ukraine to cede territory and expressed doubt that further U.S. sanctions will alter its military goals.
• Washington is considering secondary tariffs on major Russian oil buyers, notably China and India, if no ceasefire is secured by Friday.