Kremlin says US-Russia talks on Ukraine 'useful and constructive' despite silence from President Donald Trump
Mr Witkoff flew to Moscow for last minute discussions following President Trump's threat to impose "very severe" sanctions on Russia unless it agreed to a ceasefire.
Last week the US leader gave the Kremlin just "10 or 12 days" to strike a deal with Ukraine, a move which was initially met with derision.
However, Russian officials now appear to have changed course, with Bloomberg and independent outlet The Bell both reporting the Kremlin may have pitched a moratorium on air strikes from both sides to Mr Witkoff in order to stave off President Trump's tariff threat.
The US envoy spent three hours meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin, alongside several senior advisors, on Wednesday, local time.
Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov told Russian outlet Zvezda the two sides had exchanged "signals" on Ukraine and discussed the possibility of developing strategic cooperation between Moscow and Washington.
"We had a very useful and constructive conversation," he said.
"On our part, in particular on the Ukrainian issue, some signals were transmitted. Corresponding signals were also received from President Trump."
Mr Ushakov declined to provide more specific details about the meeting, saying the Kremlin wished to wait until Mr Witkoff had reported back to the US President.
President Trump has not yet commented on the talks, although Secretary of State Marco Rubio later confirmed he had spoken with the US envoy and expected to make further announcements "soon".
Reuters also quoted a source as saying the US leader was speaking with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy by phone, likely to discuss the meeting between Mr Witkoff and President Putin.
Sources close to the Kremlin also told the outlet Russia's President was unlikely to bow to President Trump's demands for a complete ceasefire as he believes he is winning the war in Ukraine.
They added President Putin doubted any new tariffs would have a significant impact on Russia, given the existing effects of more than three years' worth of economic penalties levelled against the country since it launched its invasion.
Doubts also remain about the prospect of an enduring peace agreement, given Russia's demands - which include a legally binding pledge NATO will not expand eastwards, Ukrainian neutrality, protection for Russian speakers, and acceptance of Russia's territorial gains in the war.
President Zelenskyy has repeatedly insisted Ukraine would never recognise Russian sovereignty over its conquered regions and that the nation must retain its right to determine membership in international organisations such as NATO.
With Reuters.
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