Russia softens stance on territorial recognition demands – journalist on Witkoff’s meeting with Putin

Journalist Maria Ulyanovska shared this live on Espreso TV.

“And another important point from Rubio. He said today that, for the first time during this entire period, the U.S. has heard from Russia the conditions under which it’s truly ready to end the war in Ukraine. Specifically, it involves recognizing Russian control over Crimea and certain occupied areas. I stress ‘certain,’ meaning Russia is no longer demanding recognition of control over all the territories it claims. Rubio said these talks will be tough and that both Ukraine and Russia will have to compromise. He said it’ll be very difficult because both sides have lost a lot in this war. But he also added that agreeing on terms to end the war is always the hardest part, and then, both governments will have to sell that deal to their people. Rubio confirmed the U.S. is now holding talks with European allies about next steps in these negotiations,” she said.

Maria Ulyanovska also noted that U.S. President Donald Trump hasn’t ruled out sanctions on China, which could follow the same path as those already imposed on India.

“And about the sanctions. Let me remind you that Witkoff’s meeting with Putin happened while Donald Trump was threatening strict secondary sanctions on countries buying Russian energy. Trump confirmed that more secondary sanctions are coming. I’ll remind you that the U.S. has already hit India with such sanctions, and on Wednesday, Trump added another 25% tariff on Indian goods coming into the U.S. India called this unfair, pointing out that other countries, especially China, the biggest buyer of Russian energy, are doing the same. Trump said he doesn’t rule out China being targeted next,” the journalist added.

• On August 7, reports said Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that U.S. President Donald Trump may meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, if Ukraine, its European allies, and Russia can bring their positions closer.
• During a White House briefing, President Donald Trump said there’s a high chance he’ll meet soon with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.