**Zelensky Engages in Constructive Dialogue with Trump Amid Ceasefire Tensions**

As deadline looms for a ceasefire, Zelensky and Trump highlight the escalating violence from Russian forces and the challenges ahead in negotiations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has acknowledged the positive outcome of recent talks with former President Donald Trump, focusing on the pressing issues of sanctions against Russia, defense collaborations, and drone manufacturing. With a deadline for a ceasefire looming, this dialogue comes just as US envoy Steve Witkoff prepares to visit Moscow for discussions with President Vladimir Putin.

Expressing appreciation for the “productive” discussions, Zelensky highlighted the heightened sensitivity of Moscow to the prospect of new sanctions. Trump reiterated his stance, emphasizing that failure by Russia to agree to a ceasefire by Friday could result in stringent sanctions or secondary measures impacting nations that continue operations with Russia.

Despite Trump’s warnings, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov remarked last week on Russia’s economic resilience to sanctions, claiming the country has developed a “certain immunity.” Trump mentioned uncertainty about whether sanctions have a significant impact on Putin's strategy. His hope rests on influencing Russia’s trading partners, particularly India, a substantial consumer of Russian oil, to reconsider their purchases.

In their conversation, Zelensky contrasted the increasing aggressiveness of Russian airstrikes on Ukrainian cities with previous engagements Trump had initiated with Putin, which were often followed by escalated assaults. The relationship between Trump and Zelensky has evolved over time; following a rocky past interaction, they now appear to be forming a stronger alliance. Recently, Trump indicated a willingness to supply advanced weaponry to NATO allies who would in turn support Ukraine, with an announcement of over $1 billion in defense funds from Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, and Sweden for air defense systems.

With ongoing assaults in eastern Ukraine resulting in casualties, including six fatalities reported in the previous day alone, the urgency for a ceasefire becomes increasingly critical. Trump previously claimed he could resolve the conflict quickly, having initiated the first negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in May, though those talks ultimately proved fruitless. Last week, Putin tempered expectations for an immediate resolution, acknowledging that optimism could lead to disappointment.