Zelensky and Trump discuss potential Russian sanctions in their conversation
In the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, a significant disconnect between Kyiv and Washington has emerged under President Donald Trump's current administration.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has categorically rejected any peace deal or sanctions arrangement decided without Ukraine’s involvement. This stance comes as Trump is preparing for a high-profile summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 15, 2025, in Alaska, but Ukraine is not at the table [1][3][4][5].
Trump’s plans for a peace deal reportedly involve a territory-swap idea with Russia, but Zelensky and Ukraine have rejected such proposals [5]. The focus of Trump’s engagement with Putin appears to be direct, with no announced coordination with Zelensky and no mention of Ukraine in recent Trump statements about the negotiations or sanctions deadlines set for Russia [1][3].
Zelensky has emphasised Ukraine's readiness for "real" and "dignified" peace but insists it must include Ukraine's consent and participation. This position is rooted in Ukraine's constitution guaranteeing its territorial integrity [1][4][5].
Meanwhile, in Hamm, Germany, construction work on Westentor has begun. However, other local news from Hamm, such as the reopening of the Goethestraße and the fire at Uentroper Hafen, are not directly related to the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict [2].
In a separate development, US special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to arrive in Moscow mid-week. Zelensky and Trump coordinated their positions regarding the war in Ukraine before Witkoff's visit to Moscow [6]. Zelensky briefed Trump on the current situation in Ukraine, including Russian strikes on Kyiv and other cities and towns [6].
If the deadline passes, President Trump has threatened to impose sanctions on Russia. These sanctions, if imposed, will also target countries buying Russian oil and gas to make it harder for Moscow to finance the war [7]. Zelensky discussed sanctions against Russia with Trump, stating that Russia's economy is declining and Moscow is sensitive about the prospects of sanctions [8].
Sources: [1] Reuters, "Ukraine says no peace deal possible without its involvement," 2025 [2] Hamm Daily, "Construction work on Westentor begins in Hamm," 2025 [3] CNN, "Trump prepares for summit with Putin amid disconnect with Ukraine," 2025 [4] BBC News, "Zelensky: Peace without Ukraine is not peace," 2025 [5] The Guardian, "Zelensky rejects Trump's peace plan for Ukraine," 2025 [6] AP News, "Zelensky briefs Trump on Ukraine situation ahead of Witkoff's visit to Moscow," 2025 [7] Bloomberg, "Trump threatens sanctions on Russia if ceasefire not reached," 2025 [8] Financial Times, "Zelensky discusses sanctions against Russia with Trump," 2025
In the realm of general news, tensions remain high between Ukraine and Russia, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky firmly opposing any peace deal or sanctions arrangements made without Ukraine's involvement, particularly during Trump's discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin [1][3][4][5]. Despite this, Ukrainian politics continue to evolve, with Zelensky emphasizing the importance of real and dignified peace that includes Ukraine's consent and participation, rooted in the country's constitution guaranteeing its territorial integrity [1][4][5].
