On Russian strikes, sanctions and defence cooperation: Zelenskyy talks to Trump

On Tuesday, 5 August, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with US President Donald Trump.

According to Zelenskyy, the parties exchanged assessments of the situation on the frontline, in particular regarding Russia's escalation.

The President stressed that Trump was fully aware of the latest massive Russian strikes on Kyiv, as well as other cities and communities in Ukraine.

The conversation touched on sanctions, which continue to put pressure on the Russian economy. Zelensky noted that it is precisely because of economic weakness that Moscow is closely monitoring Trump's position, which «can change a lot».

«Of course, they talked about sanctions against Russia. Their economy continues to decline, and that is why Moscow is so sensitive to this prospect and President Trump's determination. This can change a lot,» Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.

The presidents also discussed possible joint European solutions aimed at strengthening Ukraine's defence.

«We already have decisions from the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Denmark — more than a billion dollars for American weapons that Ukraine will receive. Thank you! This cooperation with NATO countries will continue,» Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The leaders also discussed bilateral defence cooperation projects, including an agreement on drones. Zelenskyy said that the Ukrainian side had already prepared a draft of such an agreement and was ready for a detailed discussion. In his opinion, it could become one of the most powerful defence agreements.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump said that his special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Vitkoff, is likely to visit Russia on 6 or 7 August. According to Trump, the meeting was initiated by the Russian side.