Russian propagandists are actively fueling schisms within the Trump administration ahead of the 8 August sanctions deadline. Meanwhile, Russian officials continue projecting the image of a strong and resilient economy, despite falling oil revenues and slowing household consumption, ISW says.
Kremlin exploits schisms within the Trump team to weaken sanctions push
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported on 6 August that Kremlin-linked voices are working to divide the Trump administration as part of a wider strategy to avoid new US sanctions. With Trump’s peace ultimatum deadline approaching, Russian state media has intensified efforts to portray chaos inside the White House.
Recent messaging casts Trump as unstable while elevating his envoy, Witkoff, as a more rational figure. On 4 August, State Duma Deputy Grigory Karasin said he hoped the outcome of Witkoff’s talks with Putin would be “specific, not emotional, like Trump’s latest statements.” That remark was widely amplified across Russian state media.
On 6 August, Deputy Alexei Chepa claimed Trump had sent Witkoff to calm tensions after issuing a series of ultimatums demanding Russia end the war or face new sanctions. Kremlin-affiliated milblogger Alexander “Sasha” Kots mocked Trump’s repeated threats, suggesting Witkoff would return with a proposal the president could spin as a win.
ISW noted that Russia has long used such tactics to sow distrust between Ukraine and its partners. Now, the same methods are being applied to exploit schisms within the Trump administration in hopes of extracting concessions or weakening Washington’s negotiating position without meeting Trump’s preconditions for peace.
Russia downplays economic strain as sanctions loom
At the same time, Moscow continues projecting confidence in its economy despite mounting signs of trouble, ISW reports. Oil revenues have dropped, growth has missed targets, and consumer demand is slipping. Yet Russian officials insist sanctions will have no real impact and describe the economy as fully prepared.