Ukraine-Ukraine Conflict: Discussion Between Zelensky and Trump on Imposing Russian Sanctions
As the ceasefire deadline set by President Trump for Ukraine approaches its tenth day, the international community continues to watch the ongoing situation in Ukraine with bated breath. The deadline, which began last Tuesday, was set to give Russian President Vladimir Putin until August 8, 2025, to agree to a ceasefire or face new secondary sanctions targeting countries that buy Russian oil.
However, as the deadline passed, Trump indicated the decision to impose sanctions was now "up to him" (Putin), expressing disappointment but not confirming any immediate sanctions. This uncertainty has left the world in a state of suspense, with some speculating that the U.S. may move forward with new sanctions against Russia, while others question whether diplomacy will prevail.
The visit of U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow this mid-week is significant in the context of the ongoing situation in Ukraine and the sanctions against Russia. Witkoff's talks in Moscow are expected to be a crucial step in coordinating positions between the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine, with the stated goal of stopping the fighting.
The sensitivity of Moscow towards sanctions and President Trump's resolve could be influenced by the declining economy of Russia, as stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky has emphasised that Russia's economy is in decline, and this is a reason for Moscow's sensitivity regarding sanctions and President Trump's resolve.
Meanwhile, the discussion between Zelensky and Trump likely includes the role and plans of the U.S. in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Zelensky wrote on social media about the coordination and discussion with Trump, indicating a joint effort to find a peaceful solution to the crisis.
Separately, on August 6, 2025, the White House issued an executive order imposing a 25% tariff on imports from India for its role in importing Russian oil, as part of broader efforts to address the national security threat posed by Russia in relation to the Ukraine conflict. This indicates ongoing pressure on Russia and its trading partners, though it is distinct from the secondary sanctions Trump threatened directly against Russia or countries buying its oil.
In the midst of these developments, some U.S. lawmakers have criticized Trump for not following through with sanctions after imposing deadlines, warning that failure to act undermines U.S. credibility and endangers Ukraine. Senator Jeanne Shaheen highlighted Congress’s readiness to pass additional sanctions legislation, such as the Graham-Blumenthal bill, if Trump does not impose tougher measures.
In summary, after the August 8 deadline, Trump has not yet announced new sanctions against Russia but continues to emphasize diplomacy and summit efforts, while Congress threatens to intervene with legislation if tougher actions are not taken soon. The upcoming talks between Witkoff and Putin in Moscow are set to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing crisis, as the world waits with bated breath to see whether diplomacy or sanctions will be the path forward.
Economic and social policy discussions might be influenced by the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, as the U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff's visit to Moscow could lead to significant policy-and-legislation changes regarding the ceasefire. Meanwhile, the political landscape is fraught with uncertainty, as President Trump's actions on sanctions against Russia are being monitored closely by general-news outlets and U.S. lawmakers, who are ready to intervene with legislation if diplomatic efforts fail to produce results in the war-and-conflicts zone.
