Trump Indicates Special Envoy Witkoffs Upcoming Russia Visit Amid Growing Tensions

U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, could be visiting Russia shortly, ahead of the August 8 deadline he established for Moscow to cease its military actions in Ukraine or face additional sanctions.

“He might be heading there. I believe next week, possibly Wednesday or Thursday. He could visit Russia,” Trump informed reporters. “They [in Russia] are eager to see him. They’ve requested a meeting.”

He did not clarify whether Witkoff, who has made multiple trips to Russia since Trump’s inauguration in January, would have an audience with President Vladimir Putin.

When queried about the message Witkoff might convey to Moscow and if there was any action Russia could take to avert new sanctions, Trump answered: “Yes, broker a deal to stop the killings.”

On Monday, the Kremlin neither confirmed nor refuted the possibility of the U.S. envoy’s visit this week, merely stating that it is “always pleased to welcome Mr. Witkoff in Moscow.”

Trump also mentioned to reporters on Sunday that two nuclear submarines he deployed in response to comments by Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev were currently “in the area.”

He did not clarify whether he was referring to nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed submarines and did not provide details regarding their specific locations.

Last week, Trump accused Putin of engaging in “pleasant and respectful discussions” while simultaneously “launching rockets” at Ukrainian cities. He announced he would reduce his previous 50-day deadline for ending the conflict to just 10 days, warning of impending sanctions and possible secondary tariffs.

Thus far, the Kremlin has dismissed these threats. On Friday, Putin remarked that Russian troops were making progress along the front lines and declared an increase in missile production, suggesting he has no intention of retreating in the conflict.

Trump’s recent statements indicate a notable change in rhetoric from earlier in the year, when he consistently expressed faith in Putin’s readiness to negotiate peace and had disagreements with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

However, after months of stagnant ceasefire negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, which have only seen routine exchanges of prisoners, frustration is growing within the Trump administration.

Reporting contributed by AFP.