Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed his appreciation to former US President Donald Trump following their recent discussions regarding potential sanctions against Russia, defense collaboration, and drone manufacturing. This engagement comes just as US envoy Steve Witkoff is set to visit Moscow.
In a statement, Zelensky characterized the conversations as "productive," highlighting that they particularly addressed the recent increase in Russian military operations against Ukraine. Trump has previously indicated that failure by Russia to establish a ceasefire by Friday could trigger stiff sanctions, which may also extend to other nations conducting trade with Moscow.
Witkoff is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Wednesday. The Kremlin has largely dismissed the sanctions threats posed by Trump, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claiming that the Russian economy has developed an "immunity" to the effects of such economic measures over time. Trump has also suggested uncertainty about whether sanctions significantly affect Putin's decision-making.
On Monday, Trump announced he would impose new tariffs targeting India, a notable buyer of Russian oil, criticizing its lack of regard for the casualties caused by Russian aggression in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russian officials denounced efforts to pressure other nations to sever trading ties with Russia as “illegal.”
Zelensky also discussed with Trump the escalating violence in Ukraine, referencing the frequency of Russian missile strikes on civilian targets. Trump has expressed frustration with the continuous bombardments following "positive" dialogues with Putin. The relationship between Trump and Zelensky has evolved over the years, moving past a fallout during a prior White House visit where Trump had criticized Zelensky's appreciation of American support.
In July, Trump revealed plans for the US to supply advanced weapons to NATO allies, which would then be funneled to Ukraine. Recently, it was declared that Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, and Sweden would be the first nations to procure US arms, collectively contributing over $1 billion towards enhancing Ukraine's air defense capabilities.
As the conflict drags on, Ukrainian cities remain under constant threat from Russian offensives. Last night alone, six casualties were reported in eastern Ukraine due to ongoing attacks. The former president has previously asserted that he could resolve the ongoing conflict quickly. However, despite Trump's pressure for a ceasefire, Putin cautioned against lofty expectations for an immediate resolution to hostilities.
