Witkoff Leaves Moscow Empty-Handed — Trump Fails in Russia, Turns Pressure on India
Steve Witkoff’s three-hour meeting with Vladimir Putin produced nothing for Donald Trump. Hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough on Ukraine were dashed, and Trump’s pressure campaign fell flat.
The Kremlin called the talks “constructive,” which seasoned observers know is diplomatic code for “no agreement at all.”
📸 Steve Witkoff and Vladimir Putin met at the Kremlin on Wednesday | Sputnik/Gavriil Grigorov/Pool via REUTERS
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Rockets Instead of Resolution
Trump had hoped for signs of de-escalation in the Ukraine war — maybe even a path toward ceasefire. Instead, Russia intensified its military campaign, with increased drone and missile strikes on Ukrainian cities since Witkoff’s last visit in April.
Russian media outlets like TASS and RIA Novosti vaguely reported that “signals were exchanged,” but gave no specifics.
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A Handshake and Nothing More
After arriving in Moscow, Witkoff met Russian investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev, then President Putin. Kremlin media aired a short handshake video — the only visible outcome of the entire trip.
Inside the White House, Trump was reportedly furious. In July, he had already threatened Russia with a new wave of sanctions if no progress was made toward peace.
Behind closed doors, Trump described Putin’s calls as “tense”, accused him of “spreading nonsense” about Ukraine, and called Russia’s missile strikes “disgusting.” None of it changed Putin’s stance.
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Trump’s Retaliation: India in the Crosshairs
Hours after the failed meeting, Trump shifted focus to India, one of Russia’s biggest oil buyers. The White House announced an extra 25% tariff on Indian imports, raising total duties to 50%.
In a new executive order, Trump wrote:
“I find that the Government of India is currently importing oil from the Russian Federation, either directly or indirectly… Therefore, Indian-origin goods imported into the U.S. will be subject to an additional ad valorem duty of 25 percent.”
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Trade Deal Collapses in Days
Just months ago, a U.S.–India trade deal looked close. But after Trump accused China of supporting Putin on July 30 — and warned any nation helping Russia — the tone changed.
India declared it would keep buying Russian oil, despite U.S. threats. That was the final straw.
Result: India is now the new front in Trump’s trade war.
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A Global Trade Conflict Escalates
Trump’s new strategy targets Russia’s economic allies, aiming to isolate Putin by pressuring nations like India. But will it work?
If history is any guide, Putin won’t blink first — leaving Washington to search for new leverage.
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