KYIV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Tuesday (Aug 5) that he had a “productive” discussion with US President Donald Trump covering efforts to end the war, sanctions against Russia, and finalising a US-Ukraine drone supply agreement.
“President Trump is fully aware of Russian strikes on Kyiv and other cities,” Zelenskiy wrote on X, referring to the surge in drone and missile attacks.
In recent weeks, Trump has shown growing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, giving him until Thursday (Aug 8) to reach a peace deal in Ukraine or face tougher sanctions. A Washington source said US envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to meet Russian officials in Moscow on Wednesday.
Push for ceasefire and arms deal
In his nightly address, Zelenskiy said Trump was well briefed on the 1,000km-long front line across eastern and southern Ukraine.
He stressed that Ukraine has long backed US proposals for an immediate ceasefire, offering various formats to halt hostilities.
“We have urged Russia to agree to calm skies — no missile or drone attacks, and no strikes on civilian infrastructure or the energy sector,” Zelenskiy said. “All these have been blatantly and cynically violated by Russia.”
Trump has warned of new sanctions and 100% tariffs on countries buying Russian oil. However, Kremlin sources told Reuters that Putin is unlikely to bow to the ultimatum.
Zelenskiy also said Ukraine is ready to finalise a US$30 billion deal with Washington for Ukrainian-made drones, calling it “one of the strongest agreements.”
Ukraine is increasingly leaning on foreign investment to boost its domestic arms production, with European partners already pledging to purchase over US$1 billion worth of US-made weapons for Ukraine under a new procurement programme.
Source: CNA
