Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that he held a telephone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding sanctions against Russia and bilateral military cooperation, just days before the deadline of the U.S. ultimatum to Moscow.
“We discussed sanctions against Russia, as well as bilateral cooperation between Kyiv and Washington in the field of defense,” Zelensky stated via Telegram, also mentioning a “draft agreement on drones.”
This conversation comes amid heightened geopolitical tension, as President Trump continues to pressure Russia to cease hostilities, following his return to office in January 2025. Initially, Trump believed that building a strong relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin could lead to a swift end to the war, which began with Russia’s offensive in February 2022.
However, Trump has now shifted his tone, urging Moscow to halt its aggression within days. The U.S. President is also reportedly considering “secondary sanctions”, which would target countries purchasing Russian oil, aiming to cut off a vital source of funding for Russia’s war effort.
