U.S. State Department Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott declined to confirm or deny whether the U.S. administration plans to impose sanctions on Russia on August 8, calling the matter speculative.
Previously, President Donald Trump had given a 50-day deadline for reaching an agreement on Ukraine, after which he intended to impose 100% tariffs on Russia and its trade partners. He later shortened the deadline to 10 days. According to U.S. diplomat John Kelly, Trump expects Russia and Ukraine to reach a peace deal by August 8.
Yesterday, Vladimir Putin met with Trump’s special envoy Stephen Witkoff, and preparations have begun for a planned summit between the two leaders.
