KYIV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed a productive phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump on August 5, just days ahead of the August 8 deadline Trump has set for a potential ceasefire agreement with Russia. The discussion marks a significant step in ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the prolonged war between Ukraine and Russia.
Zelenskyy described the call as constructive and detailed, stating that it focused on strengthening joint actions to pressure Moscow, bolstering sanctions against Russia, and finalizing a massive drone production deal with the United States. The proposed drone pact, valued at nearly $30 billion, is expected to be one of the largest bilateral military-industrial projects between the two nations.
During the call, Trump reaffirmed his stance that Russian President Vladimir Putin must agree to a peace deal by August 8 or face severe consequences, including the implementation of 100 percent tariffs on countries importing Russian oil. Trump’s threat of wider economic measures aims to deter Russia’s continued aggression while increasing international pressure through economic isolation.
In preparation for potential breakthroughs, Trump has sent his envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow for urgent discussions with Kremlin officials. A second envoy, Keith Kellogg, is expected to visit Kyiv later this week to coordinate next steps with Ukrainian officials. These diplomatic moves highlight Trump’s strategy of third-party engagement to secure a resolution to the conflict.
However, criticism has surfaced over the Trump administration’s track record on sanctions enforcement. A recent U.S. Senate Democratic report accuses Trump’s team of weakening American leverage by failing to uphold existing sanctions put in place under President Biden, enabling Russia to regroup and prolong its military campaign.
Meanwhile, international support for Ukraine continues to gain momentum. The Netherlands and several Nordic countries have pledged more than €930 million in military assistance, with at least \$1 billion worth of U.S.-sourced arms set to reach Ukraine through coordinated European efforts.
Regional tensions also remain high. Lithuania reported that a Russian-made drone carrying explosives entered its airspace, likely pushed off-course by Ukrainian air defense systems. The incident raised alarm within NATO, prompting immediate reinforcement of Lithuania’s borders to prevent further escalation.
The coming days are expected to be critical. If no progress is made by August 8, new sanctions and economic penalties may take effect, and the United States could move forward with large-scale military cooperation projects with Ukraine. The finalization of the drone deal would represent a major step in enhancing Ukraine’s defense capabilities and consolidating Western support against Russian aggression.
As the ceasefire deadline approaches, the international community closely watches the outcomes of diplomatic missions and potential shifts in Russia’s posture. Whether Putin chooses to engage in serious negotiations or reject the terms could determine the next phase of the conflict.