The Kremlin calls Putin–Witkoff talks “constructive” — how original
Фото: Reuters
Today, August 6, Donald Trump’s special representative Steve Witkoff arrived in Russia for talks with Vladimir Putin. According to the Kremlin, the conversation about the war in Ukraine and “strategic cooperation” was — surprise! — constructive.
As reported by Russian media — who never miss a chance to flatter the Kremlin — on Wednesday, August 6, US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Russia and met personally with Vladimir Putin. The talks, held behind closed doors, were followed suspiciously quickly by a Kremlin press release — because nothing says “productive diplomacy” like instant PR.
Putin’s aide Yuri Ushakov claimed the conversation was “very useful and constructive,” which in Kremlin-speak often translates to “we said what we wanted, and they nodded.” According to him, the key topic was the war in Ukraine — referred to in Moscow’s classic euphemistic style as the “Ukrainian issue” — and vague murmurs about “strategic cooperation” in the context of global instability.
Moscow sent “signals” to Washington. Conveniently, Ushakov assures us that “similar signals” came from Trump. What these cryptic “signals” contained remains a mystery, as the Kremlin chose not to share further details — perhaps even they couldn’t keep a straight face.
Kirill Dmitriev, another familiar face in Russia’s diplomatic theater, also participated in the talks. He chimed in with the usual platitudes, declaring: “Constructive dialogue between the United States and Russia continues and is crucial to global security and peace.” A line likely recycled from 2014.
Meanwhile, official US sources have yet to comment — possibly still recovering from the definition of “constructive” used in Moscow.
Earlier, it was reported that US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Moscow on August 6. He was met at Vnukovo Airport by Kirill Dmitriev, Russia’s representative for investment. Later, it became known that the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President’s special envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow had ended.
Recall, the administration of Donald Trump has warned the Kremlin: if Vladimir Putin does not agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine by August 8, the United States will impose a new package of sanctions. The list includes a strike on the “shadow fleet”, customs restrictions, secondary sanctions, and other levers of economic pressure. Washington hopes for negotiations, but is preparing for decisive action.
As reported the day before, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on a meaningful and productive telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump, the main topic of which was ending the war and strengthening defense cooperation.
Meanwhile, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has no intention of stopping hostilities against Ukraine, despite sanctions pressure from Donald Trump. The ultimatum issued by the US expires on August 8, but Moscow shows no willingness to compromise.
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