The Kremlin has acknowledged that restoring relations between Russia and the United States will require time, citing the prolonged absence of a summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told TASS that there is "inertia" in the process of normalizing bilateral ties. Notably, it has been over six months since the U.S. presidential inauguration without a meeting between the two leaders – an unprecedented delay in modern Russian history.

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff is set to visit Moscow as part of renewed diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing war in Ukraine, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Tensions have escalated recently, with President Trump ordering two nuclear submarines to strategic positions in response to incendiary remarks by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. Furthermore, Trump has issued an ultimatum to Putin demanding a ceasefire and a formal peace agreement by August 8, threatening severe new sanctions and 100% tariffs on nations purchasing Russian oil, primarily targeting major buyers China and India.

In a significant diplomatic development, Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed a summit with U.S. President Donald Trump during a meeting with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. This proposal may trigger a significant diplomatic development, as Trump has expressed intentions to meet with Putin next week, followed potentially by a trilateral summit involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Ukrainian officials perceive the summit offer as a strategic move by Russia, possibly aimed at swaying Trump’s stance toward Moscow.

Despite these diplomatic overtures, the situation remains tense. President Trump has threatened new sanctions and tariffs on Russia in response to Russia’s latest attack. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said: “Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely ‘pounding’ Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large scale banking sanctions, sanctions, and tariffs on Russia until a cease fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED.”

As the deadline for the ceasefire approaches, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution to the conflict that has had profound implications for global security and diplomatic relations.