Witkoff’s visit to Moscow: how the U.S. ultimatum is deepening the divide between the Global South and Washington

The situation surrounding the U.S. ultimatum and the upcoming visit of U.S. Special Envoy Stephen Witkoff to Moscow (scheduled for August 6–7) is rapidly moving to the forefront of global politics.

The Kremlin has until August 8 as its final window to accept Washington’s proposed terms for ending the war in Ukraine. Otherwise, Donald Trump, openly resolute, has promised to impose a package of tough sanctions, including secondary measures against Russia’s key economic partners — such as China and India.

Experts note that such a sanctions threat carries consequences far beyond the Russian economy. Pressure on Global South countries, which traditionally balance between the West and the East, could trigger a new wave of turbulence in world trade. In the long term, this may deepen distrust toward Washington among states that avoid direct alignment with any geopolitical bloc.

Particular emphasis is placed on the nuclear rhetoric the White House is using — not as a real prelude to military action, but rather as a psychological tool of pressure. In Trump’s style, harsh threats — whether sanctions or displays of military power — are paired with the offer of a “deal,” underscoring that the opponent has a choice, albeit a very limited one.

A noteworthy detail is Trump’s claim that the initiative for Witkoff’s visit allegedly came from Moscow. According to him, the Kremlin requested that the American special envoy be received. Publicly, this is presented as a symbol of diplomatic weakness and, in some interpretations, even as a step toward capitulation by Vladimir Putin.

In practice, however, Russia’s position remains unchanged: the peace terms previously voiced by Putin have not been altered and are essentially ultimatum-based. This means that the current “negotiation window” exists only formally — despite visible activity in diplomatic contacts, there is no genuine convergence of positions.

Thus, Witkoff’s visit may become either the last attempt to find a compromise before an escalation of confrontation, or simply the next stage in the public display of toughness by both sides. Which scenario will prevail will become clear in the coming days.