Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed gratitude to President Trump for his efforts in ending the war with Russia, stating that it is crucial to stop the killings as soon as possible. President Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is expected to visit Russia this week for what Ukraine has referred to as Moscow’s “last chance” to come to a peace deal before U.S. sanctions are imposed on countries that import oil from Russia. Zelensky and Trump have become increasingly frustrated with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has ignored pressure for a peace deal and moved up a deadline for Russia to come to a peace deal or face increased economic isolation. Trump has been flexible when it comes to imposing threatened tariffs on other countries, and Zelensky and Trump have exchanged assessments of the situation. Zelensky emphasized that Russia’s economy continues to decline, and that Moscow is sensitive to this prospect and President Trump’s resolve.
Zelensky deemed Trump’s call before the Russia sanctions deadline as productive.
