**US President Trump Declines to Call Meeting with Russian Envoy a Breakthrough**
In a press conference on August 6, US President Donald Trump downplayed the significance of a meeting between Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin. When asked about the outcome of the meeting, Trump replied that he didn’t consider it a breakthrough, despite earlier describing it as “highly productive”.
**Pressure on Russia to Reach Ceasefire**
The US leader has set an August 8 deadline for Russia to reach a ceasefire in its war against Ukraine. With this deadline looming, Trump has already imposed 50% tariffs on India for purchasing Russian oil. When asked if Putin has been manipulating him, Trump said he would know in a few weeks.
**More Sanctions Likely**
Trump also warned that additional secondary sanctions will be imposed on Russia’s trading partners, saying “You are going to see a lot more… you are going to see so much secondary sanctions.” This raises the possibility of further economic pressure being put on countries that continue to do business with Russia.
**China May Be Next**
When asked if additional tariffs could be imposed on China, Trump replied that it “could happen”. This suggests that the US may take a similar approach with its largest trading partner in the coming weeks.
**”Air Truce” Proposal Emerges**
As Trump pressures Russia to reach a ceasefire, the Kremlin is reportedly considering a limited “air truce” involving a pause in drone and missile strikes if Ukraine agrees to do the same. This proposal was first reported by Bloomberg on August 5, citing undisclosed sources familiar with the matter.
**Phone Call Between Trump and Zelensky**
Following Witkoff’s visit to Moscow, Trump held a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on August 6. Several European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, joined the call.
**US Plans Trilateral Meeting**
The US leader plans to meet Putin as early as next week and intends to hold a trilateral meeting with Zelensky and Putin shortly after, according to a report by The New York Times on August 6. This meeting is likely to be an attempt to broker a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia.
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