Zelenskiy claims he had a 'productive' conversation with Trump before the ceasefire deadline

**Ukraine and US Push for Peace as Deadline Looms**

The leaders of Ukraine and the United States are making a last-ditch effort to bring an end to the war in Ukraine, with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy saying he had a “productive” conversation with President Donald Trump on Tuesday. The conversation focused on ending the conflict, imposing sanctions on Russia, and finalizing a deal for the purchase of Ukrainian drones.

In his nightly video address, Zelenskiy said that Trump is fully informed about the intensifying drone and missile attacks by Russian forces on Ukrainian cities and communities. Trump has given Putin until August 8 to make peace in Ukraine or face tougher sanctions, which have been met with skepticism by sources close to the Kremlin.

**A Frustrated Trump**

Trump’s frustration with Vladimir Putin is evident, and he has threatened to hit Russia with new sanctions if they fail to comply with his ultimatum. The US envoy Steve Witkoff will be meeting with Russian leadership in Moscow on Wednesday, a move that may indicate a further escalation of tensions.

**Ukraine Ready for Deal**

Zelenskiy also announced that Ukraine is ready to conclude a deal with the US on the purchase of Ukrainian drones, which he described as “one of the strongest agreements”. This deal, worth around $30 billion, would be a significant boost to Ukraine’s burgeoning domestic arms industry.

**European Partners Join In**

Ukraine’s European partners have pledged to buy more than $1 billion in US weapons for Ukraine as part of a new scheme. This move is seen as a crucial step towards bolstering Ukraine’s military capabilities and potentially changing the dynamics on the ground.

**A Critical Moment**

The situation is critical, with both sides pushing for a resolution before August 8. The fate of the deal, the effectiveness of Trump’s ultimatum, and the willingness of Putin to make concessions remain uncertain. One thing is clear, however: the world is watching as these two leaders navigate the complexities of this conflict.