• Zelenskiy describes a "productive" call with Trump focusing on ending the war and sanctions on Russia.
• Trump has set a deadline of August 8 for Russia to agree to a ceasefire.
• Ukraine is positioned to finalize a significant drone deal with the U.S. worth $30 billion.
• European partners have committed over $1 billion in U.S. arms for Ukraine.
• Zelenskiy highlights the increased brutality of Russian strikes during the talks.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy described his recent conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump as "productive." The two leaders discussed key issues including ending the war and sanctions against Russia, as well as finalizing a U.S.-Ukraine drone deal, estimated at around $30 billion according to several sources. Zelenskiy noted the intensification of Russian attacks across Ukraine and emphasized the urgency of a ceasefire, stating, "It is truly a must to stop the killing as soon as possible," according to Reuters, Channel News Asia, and The Hill.

Trump has given Russian President Vladimir Putin until August 8 to negotiate peace or face heightened sanctions. This ultimatum includes a potential 100% tariff on countries that purchase Russian oil. However, sources close to the Kremlin have indicated that Putin is unlikely to comply with this pressure. Zelenskiy relayed that Trump "knows the situation along the front line," which spans approximately 1,000 km, according to Reuters and BBC.

The call also focused on Ukraine's growing domestic arms industry, with Zelenskiy expressing gratitude for U.S. support. He stated that European partners have pledged more than $1 billion for the procurement of U.S. arms, highlighting the international backing for Ukraine in the ongoing conflict. Reports suggest that Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, is set to visit Moscow as part of these diplomatic efforts before the sanctions deadline, according to Channel News Asia and Reuters.