On August 6, US special envoy Steve Witkoff visited Moscow for three hours of talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. US President Donald Trump called the meeting productive, stating that progress was made, but there was no agreement on ending the war. No deal for a ceasefire by August 8 was reached.
According to the White House, further sanctions against Russia may be announced on Friday, though details remain unclear. At the same time, Trump introduced a 25% tariff on Indian imports due to its energy cooperation with Russia, while both India and China continue to purchase Russian oil. Indian and Russian officials signed a protocol to expand industrial and technology cooperation.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit China for the first time in six years to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit amid strained US-India relations. Meanwhile, China and Brazil have reiterated their support for national independence and resistance to external interference.
In Ukraine, new appointments were announced: Oleksandr Tsyvinsky was named director of the Bureau of Economic Security. KMIS poll results show declining trust in President Zelensky, with corruption and the ongoing war cited as main reasons.
The Russian economy continues to suffer losses amid weak sanctions. The largest oil refinery in Dagestan has been nationalized, while key industries, including cement and automotive, are shifting to shorter workweeks due to the crisis. Putin speaks of a technological breakthrough, but much of Russian production depends on imports from China and India.
In Israel, debate continues over the Gaza operation, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu facing criticism within both government and the army. Ukraine's energy infrastructure has been targeted, affecting gas supplies from Europe and the USA, though partner countries have not issued official responses.
In conclusion, despite some diplomatic efforts and positive statements about negotiations, there is no agreement to end the war, and pressure on Russia and its allies remains moderate.
