Steve Witkoff, the United States special envoy to the Middle East, reportedly misunderstood Vladimir Putin's demands regarding the war in Ukraine during a recent meeting in Moscow. Witkoff believed that Putin was suggesting a Russian military withdrawal from key Ukrainian cities, but insiders say Putin actually wanted Ukrainian forces to leave those areas. This confusion comes as President Donald Trump prepares for a high-profile summit with Putin in Alaska on August 15 to discuss a possible settlement to the ongoing conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that any decisions made without Ukraine's involvement will not bring peace, and the White House is now considering inviting him to the meeting. Trump, who has repeatedly vowed to end the war, has recently increased pressure on Russia, threatening economic sanctions if peace talks do not resume soon.