Steve Witkoff’s recent three-hour closed-door session with Vladimir Putin on Wednesday concluded without any tangible breakthroughs. No advancements on Ukraine, no steps toward peace, and no victories for Donald Trump.
The Kremlin issued a statement describing the meeting as “constructive and useful,” though this is often Russian code for “nothing was achieved.” The talks wrapped up just before the deadline for new Russian sanctions, with Putin refusing to make any concessions.
Trump was hoping for momentum—perhaps even a hint of a peace agreement. Instead, Russia intensified its offensive, with Ukraine experiencing a wave of missile strikes and drone attacks since Witkoff’s last meeting with Putin in April. The conflict appears to be accelerating rather than de-escalating.
### Putin Continues to Stall, Trump Grows Frustrated
Russian media outlets like TASS and RIA Novosti claimed that “signals were exchanged” regarding Ukraine, but offered no specifics or concrete commitments. As usual, details were scarce, and the Kremlin’s comments were vague. They even suggested more information would be shared after Witkoff briefed Trump—classic Putin delay tactics.
Witkoff was greeted in Moscow by Russia’s investment envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, and was photographed shaking hands with Putin—arguably the only apparent “progress” in the entire encounter.
Meanwhile, Trump’s patience is running thin. Having warned Russia of impending sanctions earlier in July if there was no movement toward peace, Trump is now openly frustrated. Behind closed doors, he’s reportedly described Putin’s recent phone conversations as “tense,” dismissed Russia’s Ukraine explanations as “bullsh\*t,” and condemned the ongoing missile strikes as “disgusting.” Yet, Putin continues to stall, deny, and deflect.
### TrumpShifts Focus to India After Moscow Talks Fail
Seconds after the Moscow talks ended without resolution, Trump pivoted sharply—targeting India. The White House announced a steep 25% tariff on all Indian imports, stacking onto existing duties to reach a total of 50%.
The official explanation? India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. Trump’s executive order stated:
> “I find that the Government of India is currently directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil. Accordingly... articles of India imported into the customs territory of the United States shall be subject to an additional ad valorem rate of duty of 25 percent.”
For over a week, Trump had warned India about potential tariffs and penalties for supporting Russia’s war efforts. The message was clear: buy Russian oil, and face consequences.
He detailed his stance on CNBC’s Squawk Box:
> “They’re buying Russian oil. They’re fueling the war machine... and if they’re going to do that, then I’m not going to be happy.”
### Collapse of the Trade Deal and Rising Tensions
Just a month ago, hopes were high for a new U.S.-India trade agreement, with optimistic headlines and near-final negotiations. Now? The deal is effectively dead.
Things unraveled quickly. On July 30, Trump publicly accused China of backing Putin and threatened penalties against “everyone involved.” Soon after, Indian officials responded bluntly, reaffirming their ongoing purchase of Russian oil—leaving little room for diplomatic maneuvering.
India has now become a new battleground in Trump’s trade war—one that’s increasingly personal. If Putin refuses to listen to Trump, the strategy is to squeeze the countries that support him financially.
But history suggests Putin is patient and unmovable. He waits out opponents, and Trump’s latest moves may just be another chapter in a prolonged standoff.