Zelenskyy Discusses Ceasefire and Drone Deal with Trump; Trump Gives Putin Ultimatum Until August 8th. Russia Not in the Mood to Yield.
Russia Ukraine War Ceasefire: International diplomatic pressure is mounting on the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia. U.S. President Donald Trump has given Russia an ultimatum until August 8th to establish peace in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has directly discussed drone deals, sanctions, and a ceasefire with Trump.
Purpose of the Zelenskyy-Trump Talks
President Zelenskyy announced on Tuesday via social media platform X that he discussed new sanctions against Russia, ceasefire efforts, and a U.S.-Ukraine drone deal with Trump. According to Zelenskyy, Trump is well aware of the current situation in Ukraine and has given Putin a clear message that if peace is not established by August 8th, strict sanctions will be imposed.
Trump's Ultimatum to Russia
Donald Trump has warned Russia that if it does not agree to a ceasefire by August 8th, the U.S. will impose new sanctions on Russia and levy a 100 percent tariff on countries buying Russian oil. Additionally, Trump has sent U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow on Wednesday, where he will discuss a ceasefire with the Russian leadership.
Putin's Reaction and Strategy
According to a Reuters report, sources close to the Kremlin say that President Vladimir Putin is not ready to bow to Trump's ultimatum. Putin's focus is on establishing full control over regions like Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson in Ukraine. Russia considers these regions part of its territory and prioritizes capturing them before any ceasefire.
Zelenskyy's Accusations Against Russia
Zelenskyy informed Trump that Russia has violated all ceasefire-related proposals so far. He stated that Ukraine had appealed to Russia to cease aerial hostilities, drone and missile attacks, and attacks on civilian infrastructure, but Russia has repeatedly disregarded these proposals.
Negotiations for the American Drone Deal
A $30 billion drone deal is also being negotiated between Ukraine and the United States. Zelenskyy said that this deal would be one of the best defense agreements to date. This deal will not only enhance Ukraine's security capabilities but will also strengthen the country's domestic defense industry.
European Support and Future Plans
The Ukrainian President stated that European countries, in collaboration with the U.S., have also pledged to provide Ukraine with weapons worth over $1 billion under a new plan. Ukraine is seeking international financial assistance and investment to increase its weapons production.
Russia's Conditions and Ukraine's Opposition
Russia has set the condition that a ceasefire is only possible if Ukraine withdraws its forces from Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, recognizes Russia's sovereignty, and reduces the size of its army. However, Ukraine has outright rejected these conditions.
