**US-Russia Tensions Escalate as Trump Imposes Tariffs and Deadline Looms**
As the August 8 deadline for Russia to reach a ceasefire with Ukraine looms, US special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in an attempt to broker a peace deal. This move comes after months of failed attempts by the US to bring about a resolution to the conflict.
In a surprising move, President Trump has announced plans to meet with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky without any European leaders being present. According to sources familiar with the matter, Trump made this decision during a phone call with European officials on August 6. Despite some initial reservations from European leaders, they ultimately accepted Trump’s decision.
However, it seems that Trump’s approach has not gone unchallenged. Following Witkoff’s meeting with Putin, Trump and Zelensky held a phone call with several other world leaders, including the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. This move suggests that while Trump may have excluded European leaders from his initial meeting with Putin, he is still willing to engage with them on this issue.
The US has been under pressure to take a tougher stance against Russia’s actions in Ukraine. In response, Trump has threatened to impose secondary sanctions on countries that continue to trade with Russia if Moscow does not agree to a ceasefire by August 8. This move could have significant economic implications for countries like India, which has already seen tariffs imposed on Russian oil imports.
**Limited “Air Truce” Offered by Kremlin**
The Kremlin is reportedly considering a limited “air truce” that would involve a pause in drone and missile strikes if Ukraine agrees to do the same. This move suggests that while Russia may be willing to make some concessions, they are unlikely to agree to a full ceasefire without significant concessions from Ukraine.
**Implications of Trump’s Approach**
The US President’s approach has been met with skepticism by many experts. By excluding European leaders from his initial meeting with Putin, Trump has effectively isolated himself and the US in this matter. This move could be seen as an attempt to cut a deal with Russia without being beholden to other world powers.
However, it is also possible that Trump’s approach is designed to force European leaders to take a more active role in finding a resolution to the conflict. By imposing tariffs on countries like India and threatening secondary sanctions, Trump has put pressure on these nations to reconsider their ties to Russia.
Ultimately, the success of this approach remains to be seen. As the August 8 deadline looms, it is clear that tensions between the US, Russia, and Ukraine will continue to escalate until a resolution is reached.
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