Ukrainian President Zelensky discusses sanctions against Russia with U.S. President Trump, expressing gratitude for his efforts towards a fair peace.
In a significant development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski and US President Donald Trump held a phone conversation on Tuesday, focusing on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the possibility of a ceasefire.
Zelenski reiterated the need for an immediate end to the deaths in Ukraine, emphasizing that a ceasefire is crucial to save lives and secure long-term security assistance from the US and European partners. He also expressed his support for Trump's efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace.
The conversation between the leaders included discussions on sanctions against Russia, as a response to Moscow's delaying tactics regarding a ceasefire in Ukraine. Trump's sanctions strategy aims to pressure Russia's war effort indirectly by targeting Russia's oil export partners. However, no new sanctions have been announced following the deadline's passing, despite continued Russian hostility.
Trump had set a deadline of August 8, 2025, for Russia to accept a ceasefire deal or face increased U.S. sanctions. The Ukrainian President believes that there could have been many months without war in Ukraine if Russia hadn't prolonged it.
The conversation also touched upon military cooperation, particularly regarding the agreement on US drones. Zelenski described the agreement as one of the strongest that exists.
Despite the talks and proposed ceasefire efforts, Russia has continued large-scale drone and missile strikes on multiple Ukrainian regions in early August 2025, indicating reluctance for genuine ceasefire negotiations. Russia has reportedly proposed a moratorium on long-range strikes, which some see as a tactic to delay sanctions enforcement and allow Russia to stockpile missile capabilities for future attacks once the moratorium expires.
High-level diplomatic meetings are planned to advance ceasefire talks, involving Trump, Putin, and possibly Zelenski. These meetings have paved the way for a potential summit between Trump and Putin and possibly a trilateral summit including Zelenski.
In summary, the conversation between Zelenski and Trump reflects a delicate mix of diplomatic engagement, sanctions threats by the US, and ongoing Russian military pressure despite ceasefire negotiations. The key, as stated by Zelenski, is to end the war in Ukraine as soon as possible.
The discussion between Zelenski and Trump involved policy-and-legislation regarding US sanctions against Russia, a response to war-and-conflicts in Ukraine. Zelenski supports Trump's efforts in achieving peace and emphasized art-of-diplomacy, aiming for an immediate end to the ongoing conflict.
