Zelenskyy expresses gratitude towards Trump for issuing a threat to Moscow
As the deadline set by US President Donald Trump for a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia approaches, tensions remain high and no agreement has been reached.
Trump has issued a 10-day ultimatum (until August 8, 2025) to Russia, threatening to impose secondary sanctions and tariffs on countries trading with Russia if they fail to comply. The US is calling for an immediate full ceasefire as a prerequisite for peace talks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his chief of staff Andriy Yermak have welcomed Trump’s announcement, expressing commitment to peace while emphasizing the need for strength to deter Russia. However, the Kremlin has rejected the calls for an immediate ceasefire, conditioning negotiations on significant concessions from Ukraine.
In a recent video address, Zelenskyy emphasized that all partners know that sanctions are a key element in resolving the conflict in Ukraine. He stated that Russia is doing everything to prolong the war and harm Ukraine.
In a move to strengthen their defense, Zelensky has announced a strengthening of the SBU intelligence service. The SBU carried out a sensational strike against Russia's strategic bomber fleet in early June, using truck-borne drones to attack military airfields deep in Russian territory, destroying around a dozen bombers used by Russia to attack Ukraine.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was present at the meeting where Trump made this announcement. Trump has shortened the deadline for new tariffs against Russia's trading partners from 50 days to "ten to twelve days".
Zelensky believes that sanctions are having an impact on Russia's actions in the conflict in Ukraine. He has praised the new tariff ultimatum from Trump as a significant step towards peace.
| Party | Position on Ceasefire/Negotiations | Key Details | |----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | US (Trump) | Issued 10-day ultimatum; threatens tariffs/sanctions | Demands ceasefire by August 8, 2025; will penalize Russian allies if unmet[2][4] | | Ukraine (Zelenskyy) | Supports immediate ceasefire and peace talks | Welcomes US pressure; committed to peace but cautious about terms[1] | | Russia (Kremlin) | Rejects ceasefire without Ukrainian concessions | Demands demilitarization, withdrawal, NATO abandonment; sees ultimatum as escalation[1][4] |
As the deadline approaches and Russia shows little inclination to yield to US or Ukrainian demands, the situation remains fragile. The US and Ukraine are pushing for a swift end to hostilities while Russia maintains hardline conditions for talks.
- The US and Ukraine continue to push for an immediate ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, with the US issuing a 10-day ultimatum and threatening sanctions on countries trading with Russia.
- Despite this, Russia has rejected calls for an immediate ceasefire, conditioning negotiations on significant concessions from Ukraine, leading to a tense political standoff as the deadline approaches.
