U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Moscow on August 6, 2025, to engage in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin aimed at securing a breakthrough in the Ukraine conflict. The meeting came just two days before a deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump for Russia to agree to a ceasefire or face new sanctions. Witkoff and Putin held discussions lasting nearly three hours at the Kremlin, which Kremlin officials described as "useful and constructive." Following the Moscow talks, President Trump spoke by phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Subsequently, Witkoff traveled to Ibiza, Spain, where on August 9 he met with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani to discuss a plan to end the Gaza war and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. Additionally, reports indicate that Russian President Putin awarded Witkoff the Lenin Medal to be passed on to a senior CIA official whose son died fighting for Russia.