Steve Witkoff may have misunderstood Kremlin communications – Bild reports. The Trump adviser allegedly interpreted Ukrainian demands as Russia’s willingness to compromise.
Russia Does Not Concede
According to the German newspaper Bild, the Kremlin has not altered its demands about Ukraine ahead of the August 15 meeting between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. Reporters say Russia still seeks full control of the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions, and wishes to continue occupying Crimea. The Russians had only suggested a “sectoral ceasefire” – meaning a halt of attacks on key energy infrastructure and major cities behind the front line – and Putin has no intention of stopping the main offensive, even though the United States has proposed lifting sanctions in return.
Unverified – Witkoff Misinterpreted Russian Words
The German paper further claims that Special Envoy Steve Witkoff misread some Russian communications as a readiness to make concessions. Bild reports that he “mistakenly interpreted Russia’s demand for a ‘peaceful withdrawal of Ukrainians from Kherson and Zaporizhzhia as an offer of a ‘peaceful withdrawal’ from those regions by the Russians.” A Ukrainian government representative told the paper that “Witkoff does not know what he’s talking about.” The envoy is also reportedly seen as chaotic by European politicians, with apparent disagreements with the U.S. Secretary of State. The same publication described a Thursday video conference involving U.S. and European partners, where Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Vice President J.D. Vance participated.
Trump‑Putin Meeting. What is Known?
Steve Witkoff met with Vladimir Putin earlier this week, discussing a ceasefire in Ukraine. Now Donald Trump is slated to meet directly with the Russian leader. Trump wrote on Truth Social that the long‑awaited meeting between the President of the United States and President of Russia will take place next Friday in Alaska, promising more details soon. A White House source, cited by NBC News, stated that Russia has presented a list of demands for a potential ceasefire and that Washington is seeking support from Ukraine and European allies. Trump previously suggested that Ukraine might have to cede some territory to end the war, noting that the situation is “very complicated” and that some territory will be recovered while some will be exchanged, benefiting both sides.
