Zelensky and Trump "secretly discussed" a ceasefire. Putin was not afraid of the ultimatum. Russia responded strongly: "No longer afraid of sanctions."
2025-08-06 08:56:01
The war in Ukraine, under the global spotlight, has recently stirred up renewed tensions. A "productive" phone call between Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and US President Trump has garnered widespread attention. The two sides engaged in in-depth discussions on key issues such as the ceasefire deadline, sanctions against Russia, and the US-Ukraine drone agreement. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin responded to Trump's ceasefire ultimatum with a firm stance, demonstrating his determination to pursue his war aims. Will the future of the Russia-Ukraine conflict be marked by the dawn of peace, or will it further escalate?
In-depth discussion on the ceasefire issue
According to Reuters, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed on Tuesday (August 5) that he had a "productive" call with US President Donald Trump. The two sides discussed in-depth topics, including ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict, strengthening sanctions against Russia, and finalizing a US-Ukraine drone cooperation agreement. Zelenskyy posted on social media platform X that President Trump has a deep understanding of Russia's attacks on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, and other cities and communities, particularly the recent intensification of Russian drone and missile attacks, which have put immense pressure on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure and energy sector. In his evening video address, Zelenskyy further emphasized that Trump's thorough understanding of the situation on the Ukrainian front line laid a solid foundation for communication between the two sides.
Ukraine's ceasefire initiative and Russia's "sarcastic response"
Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine has long supported the US proposal for an immediate ceasefire and has actively proposed specific implementation measures, including maintaining air calm, prohibiting missile and drone attacks, and particularly refraining from targeting civilian infrastructure and the energy sector. However, he denounced Russia's response to these proposals as "deeply ironic," stating that Russia has repeatedly violated its commitments and continued its fierce attacks on Ukraine. This not only makes the prospect of a ceasefire dim but also further exacerbates the suffering of the Ukrainian people. Zelenskyy's words revealed both dissatisfaction with Russia and a strong expectation of US support.
The Strategic Significance of the US-Ukraine Drone Agreement
During the call, Zelensky specifically mentioned the US-Ukraine drone agreement, valued at approximately $30 billion, calling it "one of the strongest agreements yet." This agreement is not only a significant step in Ukraine's military buildup but also embodies its domestic arms industry's pursuit of international financing and investment. Ukraine has been seeking support from foreign partners in recent years to develop its burgeoning military industry, and this collaboration with the United States will undoubtedly provide crucial technical and financial support. Zelensky also revealed that as part of the new initiative, Ukraine's European partners have pledged to purchase over $1 billion worth of US weapons, further solidifying Ukraine's military cooperation with Western countries.
Trump's ceasefire deadline and sanctions threats
Meanwhile, Trump's stance toward Russian President Vladimir Putin has also become a focus. Reports indicate that Trump recently expressed his disappointment with Putin and demanded he bring peace to Ukraine by August 8th or face even tougher sanctions. Trump explicitly threatened that if Putin refused to agree to a ceasefire, the United States would impose new economic sanctions on Russia and tariffs of up to 100% on countries purchasing Russian oil. This hardline stance suggests Trump's intention to force Russia into compromise through economic pressure. However, Putin's response to this ultimatum was quite different.
Putin's Strategic Confidence and War Objectives
Sources close to the Kremlin revealed that Putin is unfazed by Trump's sanctions threats, believing the threat of a new round of sanctions is manageable. Russia has already endured multiple rounds of Western sanctions over the past three and a half years of war, and Putin is skeptical of their effectiveness, believing the Russian economy has gradually adapted to the pressure of sanctions. Sources indicate that Putin's goal is to completely capture the four Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhia, and Kherson, which Russia has claimed as its territory. Only after achieving this goal will Putin consider the possibility of a peace agreement. As James Rogers, author of "Russia's Return," argues, if Putin successfully captures these four regions, he will be able to claim that his war objectives in Ukraine have been achieved, thereby strengthening his position both domestically and internationally.
The "limited deterrent effect" of sanctions threats
Kremlin insiders further stated that while Trump's sanctions threat is "painful and unpleasant," it is far from catastrophic. There is widespread belief in Moscow that the sanctions imposed by the United States and other Western countries on Russia have reached their limits, and that "there is nothing more they can do to us." Furthermore, the source expressed skepticism about the likelihood that Trump would follow through on his threat, noting that he has made similar threats numerous times in the past but ultimately failed to act or changed his mind. More importantly, Russia believes that Trump's tariff threats could backfire, leading to higher global oil prices and providing some protection for Russian oil exports.
Putin's balancing strategy
While Putin is reluctant to provoke Trump and recognizes the opportunity to improve relations with Washington and the West, he clearly prioritizes his wartime goals. Sources reveal that Putin desires to maintain a good relationship with Trump, but as Russia makes progress on the Ukrainian battlefield, he prefers to press ahead with military action rather than compromise easily. This strategy reflects Putin's confidence in the current situation and adds further uncertainty to the future of the war in Ukraine.
The Russia-Ukraine Conflict in the International Game <br/>Zelensky's call with Trump, and Putin's tough response to Trump's ultimatum, reveal the complex international dynamics behind the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Zelensky is attempting to counter Russia's continued pressure by strengthening cooperation with the United States and securing military and economic support. Trump, on the other hand, hopes to leverage diplomatic and economic means to promote a ceasefire and demonstrate his influence on the international stage. However, Putin's strategic confidence and unwavering commitment to his war goals have made the prospects for a ceasefire uncertain.
Meanwhile, US Special Envoy Witkoff plans to meet with Russian leaders in Moscow on Wednesday, potentially offering another opportunity to de-escalate tensions. However, current reports suggest Russia has little interest in a ceasefire, while Ukraine is actively seeking international support to strengthen its capabilities. The US-Ukraine drone agreement and weapons purchase commitments from European partners provide Ukraine with valuable resources, but whether they can transform the battlefield situation remains to be seen.
Zelenskyy's "productive" call with Trump offered a glimmer of hope for Ukraine, but Putin's intransigence and persistence in his wartime goals cast a shadow over the prospects for peace. With Trump's ultimatum expiring, the trajectory of the Russia-Ukraine conflict remains uncertain. Will it remain stalemated, or will it usher in a new era? The ultimate outcome of this international game will not only determine Ukraine's future but also have profound implications for global geopolitics. In the coming days, the international community will closely monitor the outcome of the talks in Moscow and whether Trump will follow through on his sanctions threats.
Putin's refusal to compromise and insistence on advancing his war aims indicate that the conflict in Ukraine is unlikely to de-escalate in the near term, and geopolitical risks remain elevated. Gold, as a safe-haven asset, is often sought after during periods of international tension. The current situation may prompt investors to increase their gold allocations as a hedge against uncertainty, driving up gold prices.
In addition, Zelensky's mention of the US-Ukraine drone agreement and Europe's plan to purchase US weapons indicates increased Western support for Ukraine, which could further fuel risk aversion. Investors may turn to gold to avoid risk, especially if the Moscow talks fail to ease tensions. Gold prices could rise on increased safe-haven demand.
Zelensky and Trump had a "fruitful" dialogue
In-depth discussion on the ceasefire issue
According to Reuters, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed on Tuesday (August 5) that he had a "productive" call with US President Donald Trump. The two sides discussed in-depth topics, including ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict, strengthening sanctions against Russia, and finalizing a US-Ukraine drone cooperation agreement. Zelenskyy posted on social media platform X that President Trump has a deep understanding of Russia's attacks on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, and other cities and communities, particularly the recent intensification of Russian drone and missile attacks, which have put immense pressure on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure and energy sector. In his evening video address, Zelenskyy further emphasized that Trump's thorough understanding of the situation on the Ukrainian front line laid a solid foundation for communication between the two sides.
Ukraine's ceasefire initiative and Russia's "sarcastic response"
Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine has long supported the US proposal for an immediate ceasefire and has actively proposed specific implementation measures, including maintaining air calm, prohibiting missile and drone attacks, and particularly refraining from targeting civilian infrastructure and the energy sector. However, he denounced Russia's response to these proposals as "deeply ironic," stating that Russia has repeatedly violated its commitments and continued its fierce attacks on Ukraine. This not only makes the prospect of a ceasefire dim but also further exacerbates the suffering of the Ukrainian people. Zelenskyy's words revealed both dissatisfaction with Russia and a strong expectation of US support.
The Strategic Significance of the US-Ukraine Drone Agreement
During the call, Zelensky specifically mentioned the US-Ukraine drone agreement, valued at approximately $30 billion, calling it "one of the strongest agreements yet." This agreement is not only a significant step in Ukraine's military buildup but also embodies its domestic arms industry's pursuit of international financing and investment. Ukraine has been seeking support from foreign partners in recent years to develop its burgeoning military industry, and this collaboration with the United States will undoubtedly provide crucial technical and financial support. Zelensky also revealed that as part of the new initiative, Ukraine's European partners have pledged to purchase over $1 billion worth of US weapons, further solidifying Ukraine's military cooperation with Western countries.
Putin's tough stance and Trump's ultimatum
Trump's ceasefire deadline and sanctions threats
Meanwhile, Trump's stance toward Russian President Vladimir Putin has also become a focus. Reports indicate that Trump recently expressed his disappointment with Putin and demanded he bring peace to Ukraine by August 8th or face even tougher sanctions. Trump explicitly threatened that if Putin refused to agree to a ceasefire, the United States would impose new economic sanctions on Russia and tariffs of up to 100% on countries purchasing Russian oil. This hardline stance suggests Trump's intention to force Russia into compromise through economic pressure. However, Putin's response to this ultimatum was quite different.
Putin's Strategic Confidence and War Objectives
Sources close to the Kremlin revealed that Putin is unfazed by Trump's sanctions threats, believing the threat of a new round of sanctions is manageable. Russia has already endured multiple rounds of Western sanctions over the past three and a half years of war, and Putin is skeptical of their effectiveness, believing the Russian economy has gradually adapted to the pressure of sanctions. Sources indicate that Putin's goal is to completely capture the four Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhia, and Kherson, which Russia has claimed as its territory. Only after achieving this goal will Putin consider the possibility of a peace agreement. As James Rogers, author of "Russia's Return," argues, if Putin successfully captures these four regions, he will be able to claim that his war objectives in Ukraine have been achieved, thereby strengthening his position both domestically and internationally.
The "limited deterrent effect" of sanctions threats
Kremlin insiders further stated that while Trump's sanctions threat is "painful and unpleasant," it is far from catastrophic. There is widespread belief in Moscow that the sanctions imposed by the United States and other Western countries on Russia have reached their limits, and that "there is nothing more they can do to us." Furthermore, the source expressed skepticism about the likelihood that Trump would follow through on his threat, noting that he has made similar threats numerous times in the past but ultimately failed to act or changed his mind. More importantly, Russia believes that Trump's tariff threats could backfire, leading to higher global oil prices and providing some protection for Russian oil exports.
Putin's balancing strategy
While Putin is reluctant to provoke Trump and recognizes the opportunity to improve relations with Washington and the West, he clearly prioritizes his wartime goals. Sources reveal that Putin desires to maintain a good relationship with Trump, but as Russia makes progress on the Ukrainian battlefield, he prefers to press ahead with military action rather than compromise easily. This strategy reflects Putin's confidence in the current situation and adds further uncertainty to the future of the war in Ukraine.
The Russia-Ukraine Conflict in the International Game <br/>Zelensky's call with Trump, and Putin's tough response to Trump's ultimatum, reveal the complex international dynamics behind the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Zelensky is attempting to counter Russia's continued pressure by strengthening cooperation with the United States and securing military and economic support. Trump, on the other hand, hopes to leverage diplomatic and economic means to promote a ceasefire and demonstrate his influence on the international stage. However, Putin's strategic confidence and unwavering commitment to his war goals have made the prospects for a ceasefire uncertain.
Meanwhile, US Special Envoy Witkoff plans to meet with Russian leaders in Moscow on Wednesday, potentially offering another opportunity to de-escalate tensions. However, current reports suggest Russia has little interest in a ceasefire, while Ukraine is actively seeking international support to strengthen its capabilities. The US-Ukraine drone agreement and weapons purchase commitments from European partners provide Ukraine with valuable resources, but whether they can transform the battlefield situation remains to be seen.
Conclusion: Peace or Stalemate?
Zelenskyy's "productive" call with Trump offered a glimmer of hope for Ukraine, but Putin's intransigence and persistence in his wartime goals cast a shadow over the prospects for peace. With Trump's ultimatum expiring, the trajectory of the Russia-Ukraine conflict remains uncertain. Will it remain stalemated, or will it usher in a new era? The ultimate outcome of this international game will not only determine Ukraine's future but also have profound implications for global geopolitics. In the coming days, the international community will closely monitor the outcome of the talks in Moscow and whether Trump will follow through on his sanctions threats.
Putin's refusal to compromise and insistence on advancing his war aims indicate that the conflict in Ukraine is unlikely to de-escalate in the near term, and geopolitical risks remain elevated. Gold, as a safe-haven asset, is often sought after during periods of international tension. The current situation may prompt investors to increase their gold allocations as a hedge against uncertainty, driving up gold prices.
In addition, Zelensky's mention of the US-Ukraine drone agreement and Europe's plan to purchase US weapons indicates increased Western support for Ukraine, which could further fuel risk aversion. Investors may turn to gold to avoid risk, especially if the Moscow talks fail to ease tensions. Gold prices could rise on increased safe-haven demand.
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